Niger Delta Groups Protest Pipeline Surveillance Decentralization

On Wednesday, a coalition of Niger Delta groups, including the Itsekiri Liber Group and Hostcom Itsekiri Chapter, staged a peaceful protest in Warri, Delta State, opposing the decentralization of pipeline surveillance contracts. The groups warned the federal government against yielding to demands for decentralization, emphasizing that such a move could fragment control over pipeline security and lead to greater risks.

They argued that the existing contractor, Tantita Security Services Nigeria, has been effective in managing pipeline infrastructure security. The coalition maintained that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021 established a balanced framework for securing Nigeria's oil infrastructure, which relies on three interlocking pillars: commercial viability, host community integration, and national security.

They urged the government to reconsider its position on decentralization and to maintain the current arrangement, which they believe strengthens collaboration with host communities and enhances security.