Oil assets protection: IYC urges Niger Delta unity, pushes fiscal federalism
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone, on Saturday called for urgent unity among Niger Delta stakeholders, pushing for refocus on resource control among other struggles for the region. They
- From Elo Edremoda, Warri
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone, on Saturday called for urgent unity among Niger Delta stakeholders, pushing for refocus on resource control among other struggles for the region.
They warned that the region risks losing sight of its broader political and economic goals amid growing tensions over pipeline surveillance contracts.
At a world press conference in Warri, Delta state, the group said recent agitations for the decentralisation of surveillance contracts awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited had triggered divisions within the Ijaw Nation, necessitating a reset in priorities.
Backing the Federal Government’s decision under President Bola Tinubu to retain Tantita, the IYC stressed that the region must move beyond internal disputes over oil asset protection and refocus on long-standing demands for resource control and fiscal restructuring.
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A statement made available to reporters, read thus: “We state as a matter of fact that Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has performed creditably in the discharge of its mandate. The company has demonstrated competence and commitment in securing oil installations and deserves the support of all critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta.”
But the council quickly broadened the conversation, warning that pipeline protection alone cannot define the Niger Delta’s struggle.
“All critical stakeholders must begin to look beyond the immediate task of protecting oil and gas assets. We must put measures in place to ensure greater involvement of our people in oil and gas governance, rather than limiting the discussion to asset protection alone,” the group said.
Reminding stakeholders of the region’s historic demands, the IYC added: “Our leaders must reignite the conversation on true fiscal federalism and resource control… the more fundamental issue remains the control of our resources. This was the foundation of our collective struggle.”
The council also cautioned against internal fragmentation, invoking the unity that led to the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).
“The development of the Niger Delta cannot be achieved if we continue to fight among ourselves… That same spirit must guide us today,” it said.
On the contentious issue of decentralising surveillance contracts, the IYC argued that the current centralised model has delivered results, citing improved accountability and increased crude oil output.
“Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has demonstrated capacity… with a significant increase in crude oil production from about 700,000 barrels per day to about 1.8 million barrels per day. This achievement remains unprecedented in recent years,” the statement noted.
The group also issued a warning to external actors, urging “unpatriotic elements from other ethnic groups to stay clear of our issues,” while emphasizing that “Ijaws are one united people regardless.”
The IYC further called for dialogue and restraint among all factions, stressing that unity remained the cornerstone of progress.
“Our collective progress depends on stability, cooperation, and a shared commitment to the common good of our people,” the council said, urging Ijaw stakeholders to “rise above personal interests and embrace unity as the foundation for sustainable development and political relevance.”
