Niger Delta Group Appeals to Tinubu on Pipeline Dispute

The Niger Delta Advocates for Good Governance has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resolve the ongoing dispute regarding the Isoko pipeline surveillance contract. Engr.

Captain Momoh Ebiowei Erickson, the group's president, made this appeal during their annual stakeholders' meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The surveillance initiative, launched in 2022 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, aimed to combat oil theft and pipeline vandalism, which significantly impact Nigeria's oil sector.

The group alleges that the Isoko ethnic nation has been largely excluded from participating in the surveillance program, despite previous engagements with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) to ensure their inclusion. Mr.

Karo Edor, representing Isoko stakeholders, noted that arrangements were later altered, leading to individuals being appointed to oversee operations instead of the original stakeholder group. The advocates warn that this perceived marginalization could escalate tensions in the Niger Delta and urge President Tinubu to convene a presidential roundtable with traditional rulers and relevant agencies to promote fair and transparent participation of host communities in safeguarding national oil production.