3 months ago
6
Property owners affected by the demolition conducted by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) are demanding compensation exceeding ₦160 billion.
In 2018, the NNPCL demolished several structures along the pipeline and Tanke Road in Ilorin, carried out by the Nigerian Army engineers on orders from the national oil company.
According to the Channels TV, the affected individuals claim that 976 structures were destroyed during the exercise.
Speaking on behalf of the victims, Tope Ajetumobi revealed that the House of Representatives Public Petitions Committee had issued a resolution in 2019, urging the NNPCL to assess the value of the demolished properties and engage in negotiations with the victims. However, they alleged that the NNPCL has refused to comply.
He further mentioned that despite efforts by the House Committee on Legislative Compliance under the leadership of then-Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, NNPCL continued to evade accountability.
Ajetunmobi said, “The House of Representatives passed a resolution on the 30th of May, 2019, that NNPC should assess the value of the properties so damaged and negotiate with the victims. But NNPC both declined and ignored this.
“The matter was brought again to the right honourable Femi Gbajabiamila the speaker of the 9th assembly, and every effort put in place by the house committee on legislative compliance was thwarted by the NNPCL.
“Out of 17 invitations given to the NNPCL, only three were honoured including the forceful inspection that took place on January 24, 2023.
“The matter was brought up again in the 10th assembly with the speaker Honourable Tajudeen Abass. He summoned them to the public petition committee. As usual, the NNPCL refused to show up.”
The victims are now appealing to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure they receive the ₦160.75 billion compensation they are seeking.
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