House of Reps fumes over foreign oil giant’s refusal to pay local firm

Nigeria’s House of Representatives in abuja has frowned at the attitude of Agip Oil Company over its refusal to pay a local firm its debts.

The lower legislative chambers have therefore summoned the oil firm to appear before it on June 26 over an alleged $80 million owed De Cooon Services Ltd, the indigenous firm.

Chairman of Public Petitions committee, Mike Etaba from Cross River State issued the summon to the oil giant during its investigative hearing on Thursday in Abuja.

The nonpayment of the amount and earlier refusal of the firm to appear it met the displeasure of the Committtee

Committee said that not paying an indigenous company already delivered and their preference for foreigners for Nigerian jobs was something that should not be tolerated.

Committee chairman said such attitude was capable of frustrating indigenous contractors, adding that it would not augur well to drive Nigerian firms out of business while encouraging foreigners.

The urged Nigerians to take themselves seriously. 

A member of the committee, Rep. Matthew Nwogu, who reacted, described refusal of Agip to appear them disrespectful to the parliament.

He said a situation where a Nigerian company was denied its rights by an Italian firm was unfortunate.

“It’s unfortunate that people who are supposed to be accountable to Nigerians are not.

“When a committee like this is mandated by the constitution to handle issues concerning the lives of Nigerians, it summons an organization, but the refusal should call for worry.

“I don’t know who is protecting who, but no one is above the law; the only people who have immunity are the governors and president”, he said.