Group Seeks Inclusion Of Isoko In Pipeline Surveillance Contract Jobs

The Niger Delta Advocate for Good Governance, Anti-Corruption and Transparency, has written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what it described as growing dissatisfaction among some ethnic groups in the Niger Delta regarding alleged exclusion from oil pipeline surveillance jobs.

The group said communities such as the Isoko, Itsekiri and others have raised concerns about not being properly included in the surveillance arrangement currently handled by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, owned by former militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo).

In a statement signed by Engr. Captain Momoh Ebiowei Erickson, the group said the letter was not meant to attack any individual or company but to draw the attention of the President to what it described as the marginalisation of some stakeholders.

He said, “The letter to Mr. President is a call for clarity, fairness and urgent presidential engagement regarding the controversy surrounding the Isoko Ethnic Nationality Pipeline Surveillance arrangement.”

Erickson acknowledged that the private security arrangement introduced in 2022 was aimed at tackling crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.

He said the alleged lack of participation by key stakeholders from Isoko land has become a major concern, saying, “It is evident that since 2022 when Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited was engaged, the worrisome zero participation of the rightful stakeholders from Isoko land in the pipeline surveillance contract has become a focal point for security and economic instability.”

Erickson added that local stakeholders have been demanding greater involvement in the surveillance of oil facilities within their communities.

According to him, some representatives of the Isoko people had previously engaged officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and submitted petitions seeking inclusion in the surveillance structure covering their area.

He said the stakeholders believed an earlier understanding had been reached that they would coordinate the surveillance activities in Isoko land, but claimed the arrangement was later implemented differently.

He alleged that other individuals were eventually appointed to handle the coordination, leading to complaints of marginalisation by those who initially pushed for the inclusion of Isoko communities.

He warned that the issue could create tension in the region if not addressed quickly, noting that the Niger Delta remains a sensitive area because of its role in the country’s oil production.

“There are growing concerns in the Niger Delta region over this issue. Perceived marginalisation of certain ethnic nationalities in pipeline surveillance arrangements may provoke tensions that could undermine peace and oil production stability,” he said.

Erickson also referenced the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which recognises the role of host communities in protecting oil and gas infrastructure within their areas, adding that inclusive participation of host communities strengthens security outcomes, while exclusion weakens cooperation and may fuel agitation.

He, therefore, called on President Tinubu to intervene by bringing together key stakeholders in the region for dialogue while suggesting a presidential roundtable involving traditional rulers, representatives of ethnic groups in the Niger Delta, host community organisations, Tantita Security Services and relevant government agencies.

According to Erickson, such engagement would help ensure fairness, prevent unrest and support Nigeria’s oil production targets.

“We respectfully request urgent presidential intervention to clarify the Isoko pipeline surveillance arrangement and ensure equitable host community participation across all corridors,“ he said