Youth Coalition Urges Decentralization of Pipeline Contracts

The Coalition Concern Youth in Rivers State has called on the federal government to decentralize pipeline surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta region. In a statement signed by Mr.

Charl Malford from Port Harcourt, the coalition urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive steps towards achieving peace and stability in the area. They commended Tinubu's ongoing development efforts but emphasized that decentralizing pipeline surveillance contracts is crucial for job creation, particularly for the youth, who make up a large portion of the population.

The coalition argued that having a single company handle these contracts is neither equitable nor sustainable, as it does not involve local communities directly in the security of infrastructure. They highlighted the importance of grassroots participation to reduce crime, drug abuse, and social challenges.

The coalition also urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to unbundle existing pipeline and wellhead surveillance contracts to ensure clarity in roles and responsibilities.