The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has invited AGIP Oil Company, Nigeria to appear before it on June 26 to answer questions on the alleged $80 million owed De Cooon Services, a Nigerian indigenous firm.
The committee frowned at both the non-payment and the failure of AGIP oil to appear at its investigative hearing held in Abuja on Thursday, saying that not paying an indigenous company for a job well done and patronising foreigners for the same job was unfortunate.
De Coon is an indigenous company, run by Prof. Nelson Onubogu, the managing director and chief executive officer of the company.
The committee said the act was capable of frustrating indigenous contractors, adding that it would not augur well to drive Nigerians out of business while encouraging foreigners.
A member of the committee, Matthew Mogu had during the session observed that the non-appearance of AGIP was disrespectful.
“It is 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 organisation, but the refusal should call for worry,” he said.