The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has again summoned Agip Oil Company’s management over an alleged N80 million debt to local contractor De Coon Services Ltd.
Committee chairman Michael Etaba (PDP, Cross River) issued the summons on Thursday after Agip’s management failed to appear before the panel.
Etaba explained that the committee summoned Agip following a petition submitted to the House, condemning Agip’s disregard for the invitation.
He expressed disappointment over Agip’s failure to pay an indigenous company for completed work while favoring foreign firms for similar tasks.
Nelson Onubogu, CEO of De Coon, stated that his company completed work for Agip, which NNPC Limited paid for, but Agip has not transferred the funds to De Coon.
“They owe my company over N80 million, which NNPC Limited has already paid. However, Agip diverted the money out of Nigeria using cronies and refused to pay my company. Additionally, Agip canceled my contracts and reassigned them to my staff,” Onubogu alleged, insisting on full payment from Agip.
“Agip should be mandated by NNPCL to pay my money. I don’t believe in compromises; they owe me and must pay the full amount and restore my contracts as originally awarded. There are clear rules for terminating and awarding contracts in Nigeria,” he said.
Committee member Matthew Nwogu criticized Agip’s non-appearance, calling it disrespectful.
“It’s unfortunate that those who should be accountable to Nigerians are not. When a constitutionally mandated committee summons an organization, their refusal is concerning. No one is above the law; only governors and the president have immunity,” he said.
The committee subsequently ruled that Agip must appear on June 26 or face legislative action.
