UNDC Seeks PINL Contract Extension, Cites Rise in Crude Oil Delivery to 98%

In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by its National President, Mallam Julius Obi, the group said contract continuity would help sustain improvements in crude oil delivery, protect petroleum infrastructure and preserve thousands of jobs across Niger Delta host communities.

The call followed recommendations reportedly made by the technical subcommittee of the House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities, which investigated allegations against PINL and its Managing Director, Dr Osahon Okunbo.

According to the UNDC, the panel found the allegations unsubstantiated and recommended dismissing the petition, discontinuing further investigation and extending the company's contract.

The group also cited the resumption of operations at Oil Mining Lease 11 after 18 months of shutdown, which it said occurred within 90 days of PINL's engagement.

It added that the company had addressed 2,049 illegal pipeline connections and destroyed 1,010 illegal refinery clusters.

According to the UNDC, PINL's surveillance operations cover 215 host communities and employ more than 35,600 guards, supported by boats, vehicles, drones and forward bases.

The group also highlighted the company's scholarships, vocational training programmes and flood relief interventions as part of its engagement with host communities.

The UNDC argued that extending the contract would provide greater certainty for workers and host communities while supporting efforts to reduce crude oil losses and improve petroleum revenue.

However, the operational figures and details of the legislative subcommittee's recommendations were contained in the group's statement and could not be independently verified for this report.