Coalition condemns calls to decentralise pipeline surveillance contract

The coalition emphasized that the pipeline surveillance contract is a highly technical national security assignment supervised by the Office of the National Security Adviser, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, and other relevant security agencies.

“After a careful review of the facts, consultations with stakeholders across the region, and assessment of operational realities on the ground, we hereby state clearly and unequivocally that calls for so-called decentralisation of the pipeline surveillance contract… are largely built on ignorance, misinformation, and a poor understanding of the technical, strategic, and security architecture governing crude oil asset protection in Nigeria,” the coalition said.

The group further stressed, “Let it be clearly stated that the pipeline surveillance contract is not an empowerment programme. It is not an amnesty package for ex-agitators. It is a highly technical national security assignment dealing directly with the protection of strategic national economic assets, particularly crude oil pipelines, export lines, and associated infrastructure critical to Nigeria’s survival as an oil-producing nation.”

The coalition defended the current structure, noting that the contract is managed by a limited number of qualified lead contractors chosen based on technical competence, financial capacity, field intelligence capability, and operational investments.

“These contractors have committed enormous resources to technology deployment, including surveillance drones, marine security vessels, speed boats, communication systems, operational camps, rapid response platforms, and logistics infrastructure necessary for difficult terrain operations across creeks, swamps, and riverine corridors,” they said.

On claims that the current system constitutes a monopoly, the coalition clarified: “The lead contractor functions as a major project manager within a highly regulated framework. Every subcontractor is approved through processes involving the National Security Adviser, the NNPCL, and the Defence Headquarters. Subcontracting is not arbitrary; it is structured, monitored, and regulated by government institutions.”

The coalition added that the current arrangement has been particularly effective in the eastern corridor, where Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has delivered “outstanding results.” They urged the federal government and all relevant agencies to prioritise performance and national interest over pressure from sectional agitators.

“Our position remains firm: Performance must remain the basis for confidence, and on that basis, PINL has earned public endorsement,” the coalition concluded.