The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petition has issued a summons to AGIP Oil Company, requiring its appearance on June 26 to address allegations of an unpaid debt of ₦80 million owed to De Cooon Services Ltd. This indigenous company is led by Prof. Nelson Onubogu, its managing director and CEO.
During an investigative hearing held in Abuja, Rep. Michael Etaba, Chairman of the Committee, expressed his displeasure over both AGIP’s failure to pay and its absence at the hearing. He criticized the practice of not compensating local companies for completed work while favoring foreign contractors for similar jobs. This behavior, he argued, undermines indigenous contractors and is detrimental to Nigerian businesses.
Rep. Matthew Nwogwu, a member of the committee, echoed this sentiment, labeling AGIP’s non-appearance as disrespectful and stressing that no entity is above the law. He emphasized the committee’s constitutional mandate to address issues affecting Nigerians’ lives and criticized the company’s apparent disregard for accountability.
Prof. Onubogu explained that the invitation to the hearing had been well-publicized, suggesting that AGIP’s absence was a deliberate snub. He detailed the history of the dispute, which dates back over five years, and accused AGIP of using intermediaries to divert funds paid by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) out of Nigeria. He claimed that AGIP had canceled his contracts and reassigned them to his staff while they were still employed by him.
Onubogu insisted on full payment of the owed amount and the restoration of all his original contracts, asserting that he would not accept any compromise. He called for AGIP to adhere to the proper procedures for contract termination and awarding, stressing his readiness for a peaceful resolution if AGIP complied. He firmly believed that justice must prevail in this matter.
The committee’s action and Onubogu’s firm stance underscore the importance of holding corporations accountable and ensuring that indigenous businesses are treated fairly and justly in contractual dealings.