Niger Delta leaders back dismissal of petitions against pipeline surveillance contracts

Traditional rulers and community leaders in the Niger Delta have commended the joint committee of the senate and house of representatives for dismissing petitions against pipeline surveillance contracts.

On Wednesday, the national assembly joint committees on petroleum resources dismissed petitions seeking the decentralisation of pipeline surveillance contracts across oil-producing states.

Tantita Security Services, Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, and Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) are among the companies involved in the pipeline surveillance framework.

Speaking on the development, Christopher Akpotu, the president-general of the Isoko Development Union (IDU), described the decision as a step in the right direction and urged stakeholders to prioritise collective economic benefits over internal disputes.

“There are many opportunities in the oil and gas sector. We should focus on how to derive more benefits rather than fighting over what has already been allocated,” Akpotu said.

The president-general warned that persistent infighting among communities could create opportunities for external interests to take over resources meant for host regions.

He acknowledged concerns over the “uneven distribution of benefits” but maintained that the surveillance contract has delivered tangible gains, particularly for youths.

“The truth is that many communities and youths have benefited from the surveillance contract. It may not be evenly distributed, but the impact is evident,” he said.

Drumming up support for Tantita, Akpotu advised the firm to adopt a more inclusive approach by engaging traditional rulers, community leaders, and youths to ensure fairness and sustainability.

‘N’ASSEMBLY’S DECISION BENEFICIAL TO PEACE IN OIL-PRODUCING COMMUNITIES’

Also speaking, Ogaga Ikpoku, the Odiologbo of Ofagbe Kingdom, described the national assembly’s decision as timely and beneficial to peace and stability in oil-producing communities.

He called for sustained efforts to consolidate gains in securing critical oil infrastructure and promoting development.

On his part, Sam Akpemegi, the president-general of the Ughelli Descendants Union, said Tantita has significantly improved security since it began operations.

Akpemegi said the firm has engaged a large number of local youths, with its operations covering over 80 percent of communities in the area.

Bayo Ojulari, the group chief executive officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, had said improved pipeline security in the Niger Delta has increased crude oil output to an average of 1.71 million barrels per day (bpd) from a low of 960,000 bpd recorded in 2022.

He also said crude oil output reached a peak of 1.84 million bpd in 2025. (TheCable)