Niger Delta Stakeholders Urge Tinubu to Decentralize Pipelines

Stakeholders from the Niger Delta have issued a warning to President Bola Tinubu regarding the potential for renewed conflict in the region due to government policies that they believe create imbalances, particularly concerning oil and gas pipeline surveillance contracts. This warning was articulated in a communiqué released after a strategic meeting held in Port Harcourt.

The communiqué, signed by various leaders including Dr. Alay Tari of the Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide and Chief Chika Obielumani of the Coalition Ndokwa Youth Leaders, emphasizes the need for preemptive action to address these concerns.

They argue that decentralizing pipeline contracts would foster a sense of ownership among local communities and improve security, as evidenced by the success seen during former President Goodluck Jonathan's administration. The stakeholders assert that without urgent corrective measures, the trajectory of conflict in the Niger Delta could escalate, impacting not only the region but Nigeria as a whole.