Youths seek stability, peace in Niger Delta
A Coalition of Concerned Youth Bodies in Rivers State has called for sustained peace and stability in the Niger Delta. The coalition expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for
A Coalition of Concerned Youth Bodies in Rivers State has called for sustained peace and stability in the Niger Delta.
The coalition expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his ongoing developmental efforts in the region, noting his commitment to improving the welfare of oil-producing communities.
The youth bodies reiterated their commitment to peace, development, and progress in the Niger Delta and across Nigeria.
“The coalition stands united in advocating policies that empower youths and safeguard the nation’s critical infrastructure.”
Advertisement
300x250
In a statement signed by Mr Charles Malford on behalf of the coalition in Port Harcourt, the group called on the President to take further decisive steps towards achieving lasting peace and stability by decentralising surveillance contracts.
The youth bodies believe that decentralising pipeline security contracts is essential for creating job opportunities for youths, who make up the majority of the region’s population.
They said: “Local communities should be directly involved in securing infrastructure to promote ownership and accountability.
“Engaging local youths meaningfully in pipeline security will reduce tendencies towards crime, drug abuse, and other social challenges.
Read Also: Adelabu denies viral wealth claim, alleges coordinated misinformation campaign
Advertisement
300x250
“Decentralisation promotes better grassroots participation and enhances the protection of critical infrastructure by involving community members who are intimately familiar with their local environments.”
The coalition further urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) to clarify and unbundle existing contracts related to pipeline and wellhead surveillance to ensure clear roles and responsibilities.
They stressed that “this call for decentralisation is timely, fair, and necessary for fostering inclusiveness, better security, and strengthened regional cooperation.”
National President of Rivers Youths Federation, Patrick Saviour, said it would be unfair to bring in outsiders to handle projects that locals have the capacity to manage.
“I want to plead with Mr President to please look into it. As a father, he knows what is best, and we want peace in this region,” he said.
A Rivers youth leader, Benson Ati, said localising the contracts would improve effectiveness and deliver better results.
“For instance, we are Rivers people, and we should be able to secure Federal Government assets in our communities more effectively.
“Therefore, decentralising pipeline surveillance contracts will improve employment and enhance security for these pipelines that serve the entire nation,” he said.
