Group to FG: resist pressure to end pipeline surveillance contract
A group under the aegis of the South South Initiative has urged the Federal Government to resist pressure to dismantle the current pipeline surveillance framework in the Niger Delta. The
A group under the aegis of the South South Initiative has urged the Federal Government to resist pressure to dismantle the current pipeline surveillance framework in the Niger Delta.
The organisation noted that doing so could undermine the relative peace and stability recently achieved in the oil-rich region.
Addressing journalists in a press briefing on developments in the Niger Delta, President, South South Initiative, Emmanuel Iriogbe said allegations and criticisms surrounding oil pipeline protection contracts, currently under scrutiny by the National Assembly, were largely driven by misinformation and vested interests seeking to return the region to an era of oil theft and sabotage.
According to the group, Nigeria’s crude oil infrastructure remains the “lifeline” of the country’s economy, noting that for decades the nation suffered heavy financial losses from pipeline vandalism, illegal bunkering and organized criminal activity across the Niger Delta.
It stated that previous efforts by government relying solely on formal security agencies failed to effectively curb the menace until the introduction of community-driven surveillance initiatives.
The Initiative explained that the shift began during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan and has been sustained by subsequent governments.
The group pointed out that the engagement of indigenous pipeline surveillance firms such as Tantita Security Services and Maton Engineering Services had significantly reduced vandalism and illegal bunkering activities in the region.
He said: “Conventional approaches, including reliance solely on formal security agencies, unfortunately proved inadequate to stem the tide of theft and destruction.
“Before the introduction of these indigenous surveillance structures, Nigeria’s pipelines were under relentless attack. Illegal refineries operated openly, crude was siphoned in massive quantities, and the nation could not even determine the exact volume of oil being produced or stolen.
“Today, the story is different. Pipeline vandalism has reduced drastically, illegal bunkering activities have been significantly curtailed, and the Federal Government can now make projections and budgetary plans based on more reliable production data.”
The Initiative noted that the surveillance framework incorporates local communities and youths, who now participate in safeguarding pipelines rather than engaging in illegal activities.
It also recalled that when the surveillance contract was awarded to Tantita Security Services, its leadership convened a meeting in Oporoza, headquarters of the Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta State, where leaders from across the Niger Delta were invited to participate in designing an inclusive protection structure.
“At that meeting, it was clearly stated that pipeline protection would not be monopolized by any single ethnic group or community. Responsibilities were distributed across tribes and host communities where pipelines pass,” the group said.
It also urged the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu to remain strategic in protecting the gains achieved in the Niger Delta.
“The South South Initiative therefore calls on the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remain steadfast and strategic in protecting the gains that have been achieved,” the group said.
It urged the Federal Government to establish an independent delegation to verify claims regarding the inclusiveness of the surveillance system, reduction in vandalism and the role of host communities.
