Coalition Advocates for Decentralized Pipeline Security

The Port Harcourt Coalition, representing youth in Rivers State, has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to decentralize pipeline surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta region. In a statement signed by Charl Malford, the coalition expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his ongoing development efforts in the area.

They emphasized that decentralizing these contracts is crucial for creating job opportunities for local youth and ensuring equitable involvement of communities in security infrastructure. The coalition criticized the current practice of awarding contracts to single companies, which they argue undermines local engagement and can lead to sabotage.

They urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to clarify and unbundle existing contracts related to pipeline and wellhead surveillance. The coalition's representatives, including Patrick Saviour and Benson Ati, stressed the importance of grassroots participation in enhancing security and protecting critical infrastructure, advocating for a more localized approach to pipeline surveillance to foster peace and development in the Niger Delta.