Oghene Calls on FG to Retain Niger-Delta Pipeline Surveillance Deal

The former lawmaker, representing Amuwo-Odofin Federal Constituency, Oghene Egoh, has called on the Federal Government to sustain the oil pipeline surveillance contract awarded to indigenous security firms.

Egoh made the. appeal while addressing newsmen in Lagos, yesterday. Reacting to calls in some quarters for the revocation of the contract, he mentioned the local security firms as; Tantita Security Services, and some others.

He said that these security outfits have helped to improve security around the oil pipeline areas and it has also helped to increase oil production.

He said that the contributions of the security outfits had significantly curtailed pipeline vandalism, illegal bunkering and crude oil theft across the Niger Delta.

According to him, the engagement of indigenous surveillance organisations under the leadership of Tompolo has helped Nigeria to safeguard critical oil infrastructure and boost national revenue generation.

He noted that prior to the intervention, the country reportedly lost billions of dollars annually to sabotage and criminal activities along pipeline corridors.

He added that the improved security architecture has enabled the Federal Government to strengthen budgetary implementation in key sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare and agriculture, thereby contributing to national development.

The lawmaker further explained that Nigeria’s crude oil output had witnessed noticeable improvement in recent times, rising to over 1.5 million barrels per day, compared to significantly lower figures of 900 barrels per day recorded during the peak of pipeline vandalism.

Egoh emphasised that the drastic reduction in bunkering and oil theft was largely due to the familiarity of local surveillance operatives with the difficult terrain and community dynamics of the Niger Delta region.

He warned that revoking the surveillance contract could reverse the gains already achieved, potentially exposing pipeline facilities to renewed attacks and economic losses.

The lawmaker also urged the security contractors to intensify their operations to consolidate the progress recorded, while calling on the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to disregard what he described as misinformation and propaganda against the indigenous firms.

Egoh maintained that securing oil installations required specialised local knowledge and sustained community engagement, adding that reliance on foreign security contractors could result in higher operational costs and limited effectiveness.

He reiterated that the current arrangement had demonstrated measurable results and advised stakeholders to prioritise national interest by supporting initiatives that enhance oil production stability and economic growth.

The lawmaker further recommended periodic independent assessments of the surveillance framework to promote transparency and public confidence in the management of Nigeria’s strategic oil assets.

He expressed optimism that continued collaboration between government, host communities and indigenous security providers would sustain peace in the Niger Delta and strengthen the country’s revenue base in the long term.