Group Insists on Decentralisation of Pipeline Surveillance for Equity, Economic Justice
Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
An organisation under the aegis of ‘Niger Delta Economic Justice Movement’, has appealed for economic justice, inclusion and equity in pipeline surveillance and security contracts in the Niger Delta region.
The group made the appeal in a letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu and copied to the President, Nigerian Senate, Speaker, House of Representatives, Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Chairman, Committee on Host Communities, House of Representatives, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, and National Security Adviser to the President.
According to the letter signed by Ogboka Umeda, Chief Charles Ekoro, Daniel Nwankwoala, Maxwell Ibelegbu, Nwakanma Owhonda, Moses Urang, Karl Chinedu, and seven others, the group wants the federal government to review and decentralise the pipeline surveillance and security arrangements in the region for a broader participation of host communities.
They urged the establishment of a structured framework that allows host communities to actively participate in the protection of oil and gas infrastructure located within their territories.
The group observed that “The Niger Delta agitation has historically taken different forms across communities, but its core objective has always been economic justice, environmental protection and fair participation in the benefits derived from the region’s resources.
“Many communities have consistently maintained peaceful engagement and cooperation with government authorities and oil companies while advocating for development and fairness.
“It is therefore important that peaceful communities that have demonstrated commitment to stability and national unity are not overlooked in initiatives intended to protect vital national infrastructure.
“We respectfully submit that broader participation of host communities in pipeline surveillance and security arrangements will strengthen accountability, enhance local cooperation and improve the protection of petroleum infrastructure across the Niger Delta.”
They also called on both chambers of the National Assembly to examine the current structure of pipeline surveillance contracts and consider measures that will promote transparency, fairness and inclusive participation.
The group expressed their belief in the administration of President, saying the president has both the moral authority and the political will to strengthen inclusion and ensure that host communities in the Niger Delta are fairly represented in initiatives affecting their region.
“Our appeal is further supported by the provisions of Sections 256–257 of the Petroleum Industry Act, which recognise the responsibilities and expectations placed upon host communities regarding the protection of petroleum infrastructure within their territories.
“These provisions imply that host communities have a legitimate role to play in safeguarding oil and gas facilities located in their areas.”
They therefore, urged President Tinubu to give the appeal urgent consideration so that the Renewed Hope Agenda may truly reflect justice, equity and meaningful inclusion for all communities in the Niger Delta.
