LAWMAKER WARNS TINUBU AGAINST DECENTRALISING PIPELINE SURVEILLANCE IN NIGER DELTA

By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi

ABUJA, NIGERIA – A member of the House of Representatives representing the Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency, Donald Kimikanboh Ojogo, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ignore growing calls for the decentralisation of the current pipeline surveillance policy in the Niger Delta region.

Ojogo warned that yielding to such pressures from individuals who feel excluded from the existing arrangement could create serious security challenges and potentially lead to the formation of ethnic militias in the oil-rich region ahead of the 2027 general elections.

CONCERNS OVER PIPELINE SURVEILLANCE POLICY

In a statement issued in Abuja, the lawmaker described the calls for decentralisation of the pipeline surveillance concession between the Federal Government and private security companies as a dangerous distraction capable of undermining the progress recorded in securing Nigeria’s oil infrastructure.

According to him, the agitation appears to be driven largely by those who feel shut out from the current arrangement rather than by genuine concerns about national security.

Ojogo emphasized that President Tinubu must carefully distinguish between emotional grievances and the proven operational capacity of the private security firms currently handling the surveillance responsibilities.

GAINS FROM THE CURRENT GOVERNMENT-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP

The lawmaker highlighted that the partnership between the Federal Government and private pipeline security operators has significantly improved Nigeria’s crude oil production and national revenue.

Before the implementation of the surveillance arrangement, Nigeria’s daily crude oil production had dropped to approximately 800,000 barrels per day due to rampant oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

However, under the current arrangement, production has reportedly increased to about 1.6 million barrels per day, marking a substantial recovery for the nation’s oil sector.

Ojogo described this progress as clear evidence that the existing surveillance structure is delivering results and should not be disrupted by politically motivated agitation.

RECOGNITION OF PRIVATE SECURITY OPERATORS

The lawmaker also acknowledged the role of private security operators involved in safeguarding the nation’s oil pipelines.

He specifically commended Tantita Security Services and other security firms for deploying modern technology and local expertise to combat oil theft and environmental damage within the Niger Delta.

According to him, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and national security authorities have also expressed satisfaction with the effectiveness of the current surveillance arrangement.

WARNING OF ETHNIC MILITIA FORMATION

Ojogo further warned that persistent agitation for decentralisation could ignite ethnic tensions in the Niger Delta.

He cautioned that such sentiments, if not properly managed, could lead to the formation of ethnic militia groups ahead of the 2027 elections.

The lawmaker stressed that allowing such developments would not only threaten regional stability but could also reverse the economic gains currently being recorded in Nigeria’s oil sector.

PROTECTING NATIONAL ECONOMIC INTERESTS

Ojogo concluded by urging the Federal Government to remain focused on protecting Nigeria’s strategic oil infrastructure and sustaining the improved production levels currently benefiting the national economy.

He insisted that any review of the surveillance arrangement must be based strictly on competence, experience, and proven performance rather than political pressure or ethnic sentiment.

Source: Abuja Political Correspondence