Niger Delta Stakeholders Urge Decentralization of Pipeline Surveillance Contracts
The Niger Delta Stakeholders Forum (NDSF) has issued a strong appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling for the decentralization of pipeline surveillance contracts across the region. This move, they argue, is essential to ensure equity, inclusiveness, and broader participation among local communities.
Emergency Meeting and Warning
Following an emergency meeting held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the group warned that continued exclusion of key stakeholders could trigger widespread protests and pose a significant threat to national economic stability. In a statement signed by Dr. Tari Theophilus, the forum emphasized that this appeal represents a final effort to avert potential agitation in the region.
The stakeholders expressed concern that the current centralized structure of pipeline contracts risks escalating tensions and undermining peace efforts. They highlighted that their advocacy for decentralization has been misrepresented as an attempt to undermine specific operators, such as Tantita Security Services.
Criticism of Amnesty Programme Leadership
The forum criticized the actions of Dr. Denis Otuaro, Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), alleging that his conduct could jeopardize regional peace, national economic interests, and ongoing reforms in oil and gas infrastructure surveillance. They accused Otuaro of leveraging his office to defend narrow interests, warning that such actions could destabilize the fragile peace in the Niger Delta.
Additionally, the NDSF alleged that some leaders within the Amnesty Programme have been mobilized to stage protests in support of the current centralized arrangement. They urged these leaders to act in the broader interest of their communities and the region, rather than advancing sectional agendas.
Call for Federal Government Action
The forum called on the Federal Government to ensure a clear separation between the Amnesty Office and pipeline surveillance operations. They warned that failure to act could hinder critical reforms and undermine trust in governance. The NDSF also urged President Tinubu to caution against any form of coercion targeting beneficiaries of the Amnesty Programme to support protests or defend the existing contract structure.
In their statement, the stakeholders emphasized that the Presidential Amnesty Programme is a national institution serving the entire Niger Delta and should not be used to protect narrow interests. They assured those threatened with suspension of stipends and allowances of their support against victimization.
Final Demand for Decentralization
The NDSF concluded by stating that the Niger Delta will no longer tolerate narrow interests compromising national wealth and regional stability. They declared that full decentralization of surveillance contracts is non-negotiable, urgent, and essential for achieving sustainable peace and development in the region.
