IYC and Ogoni Youths Protest Exclusion from Pipeline Hearing

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and Ogoni youths expressed their dissatisfaction over being excluded from a National Assembly public hearing regarding pipeline surveillance contracts. The protest, which took place in Gokana Local Government Area, involved marching across major community areas with placards.

Dr. Theophilus Alay, President of the IYC, criticized the exclusion, stating it was unacceptable and urged the President's office and the National Security Adviser to intervene. He emphasized that decentralizing pipeline surveillance would empower local communities, significantly improve security outcomes, and enhance grassroots intelligence against pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.

Marcu Nwibani, President of the National Youth Council of Ogoni People, highlighted that the exclusion erodes trust and weakens efforts against crude oil theft. Emmanuel Bie from the Ogoni Youth Federation noted that despite Ogoniland hosting 40 oil wells, local participation in pipeline surveillance remains low, stressing that involving host communities directly fosters ownership and reduces sabotage.