A coalition representing ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta, the Coalition of Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities (CNDEN), on Tuesday staged a protest at the National Assembly, calling for the urgent decentralisation of pipeline surveillance contracts among stakeholders in oil-producing states across the region.
The group, in a petition addressed to Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, was jointly signed by its President-General and President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Dr. Alaye Theophilus; President of the Ibom Youth Council, Mammoth Knight; and President of the Ogoni Federated Youth, Emmanuel Bieh, among others.
Speaking with journalists during the protest, Alaye described the Niger Delta as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, noting that it hosts the oil and gas resources responsible for the bulk of the country’s revenue.
He emphasised that safeguarding pipeline infrastructure goes beyond regional importance, describing it as a matter of national security.
Alaye clarified that the petition was not directed at any specific firm, including Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Maton Engineering, or Pipeline Infrastructure Limited, nor was it intended to undermine the contributions of existing surveillance contractors.
He stated: “Rather, this petition is driven by the urgent need to correct a structural imbalance in the current pipeline surveillance framework, where responsibilities appear to be concentrated in the hands of a few individuals or entities, to the exclusion of the wider Niger Delta stakeholders and ethnic nationalities.”
Alaye raised concerns that the current centralised system sidelines key stakeholders and host communities across the Niger Delta, a situation he said has fueled rivalry, division, and resentment among ethnic groups.
According to him, the arrangement also undermines grassroots intelligence required for effective pipeline security.
His words: “More troubling is the emergence of a growing cold war among stakeholders and exagitators in the Niger Delta, largely driven by perceived exclusion and inequitable distribution of opportunities tied to pipeline surveillance.
“If not urgently addressed, this situation poses a serious risk of escalating into open conflict, which could result in widespread vandalism of oil and gas infrastructure and further destabilize the region.”
Reflecting on the region’s history, Alaye noted that Nigeria’s crude oil output stood at about 2.0 to 2.1 million barrels per day during the height of militancy in the Niger Delta.
He, however, pointed out that despite relative peace and significant investment in pipeline security, production currently ranges between 1.5 and 1.7 million barrels per day, a trend he described as troubling.
Alaye queried: “Why is oil production declining despite increased spending on pipeline security? e Are there systemic lapses or undisclosed networks facilitating crude oil theft?
“Is the current surveillance structure truly effective or fundamentally flawed?
“The Coalition submits that the exclusion of local stakeholders from active participation is a major factor undermining the effectiveness of pipeline protection efforts.”
The coalition, therefore, called for the full decentralisation of pipeline surveillance contracts, proposing that each Niger Delta state be given responsibility for monitoring infrastructure within its territory.
It argued that such a move would boost crude oil production to between 2.8 and 3.0 million barrels per day, improve intelligence gathering at the community level, and significantly curb oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
Alaye stated: “We reiterate that this petition is not an attack on any individual or organization but a collective call for justice, fairness, and inclusivity.
“We firmly assure the Federal Government that if pipeline surveillance contracts are fully decentralized to stakeholders across all Niger Delta states, oil production will increase significantly, and the current tension among stakeholders will be effectively doused.
“The Niger Delta cannot afford a return to instability. Nigeria, at this critical time, cannot sustain another phase of conflict in the region.
“The present situation, if not urgently addressed, may degenerate into a crisis with far-reaching consequences for national security and economic survival.
“The Coalition therefore urges the National Assembly, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and all relevant security agencies to act swiftly, decisively and fairly in the interest of national unity, economic growth, and sustainable peace.”
