Coalition seeks revocation of pipeline surveillance contracts

A Coalition of Civil Society Groups in Nigeria, yesterday, urged the Federal Government to review and revoke pipeline surveillance contracts currently held by people associated with violence in the past, including former armed militants.

Speaking at a briefing in Lagos, the Director of Publicity of the coalition, Taiwo Adeleye, said that the revocation would prevent the potential misuse of such funds for arms proliferation.

Adeleye said that the shocking attack in Okuama village, resulting in the tragic loss of 17 soldiers, serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of arming those with a history of violence.

He raised concern over the proliferation of arms and the fact that many non-state actors are still in possession of illicit weapons in the Niger Delta region.

Adeleye said: “We are worried that from what we have seen, violence in the Niger Delta is fueled by many factors. The coalition insists that entrusting pipeline security to those with militant backgrounds undermines Nigeria’s sovereignty and international reputation, particularly within the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

“We urge President Bola Tinubu to intervene and direct the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to cease the award of surveillance contracts to companies led by individuals of questionable character. The coalition questions the interests that NNPCL’s top management may have in these entities, and their propensity to assign national asset protection to known militants.

“By continuing this practice, the Nigerian state appears to be yielding to the demands of militants, rather than upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of its citizens. This capitulation threatens to erode public confidence and the authority of the state.”

The coalition noted that it is concerned about the future of oil, livelihood and human security in Nigeria, wondering what Nigeria will look like in the next 15 or 20 years.

“What immediate short term and long-term strategy do we have for oil security and national security?

“Will Nigerian oil installations continue to be protected by non-state actors? What is the mission of the stake actors currently charged with the responsibility of protecting oil assets?” it added.