Tinubu Urged To Decentralise Pipeline Protection Contracts

Some leaders under the aegis of Coalition of Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities (CNDEN) have asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to decentralise pipeline protection contracts across communities instead of concentrating them in the hands of a few persons.

They warned that not decentralising the contracts within the region’s sphere of influence could breed another armed struggle, as the signs were already evident, and would negatively impact the struggling economy.

The group, in a statement issued by its officials representing diverse ethnic nationalities of the region, said pipeline protection contracts should be awarded to major stakeholders across the region.

The statement was signed by Dr Alaye Tari Theophilus, president, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide; Oghenekaro Tony Edor, president, Coalition of Isoko Youth Group; Emmanuel Goteh Bieh, president, Ogoni Federated Youth; Lord Marmin Knight, president, Ibom Youth Council; and Comrade Ibiso Harry, chairman, Ijaw Youth Council, Eastern Zone, to show fair representation.

“The CNDEN wishes to draw President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s attention to the growing concerns surrounding the monopolisation of pipeline protection contracts in the Niger Delta by a narrow group of individuals.

“It is important to clarify that no Niger Delta person is calling for the revocation of the pipelines surveillance contract. Instead, all concerned Niger Deltans are advocating for decentralisation to ensure accountability, equal representation and fairness for all stakeholders in the region.

“The Niger Delta remains the economic backbone of Nigeria. The daily extraction of crude oil and gas from our lands and waters sustains the national economy and funds government operations across the federation. However, the region’s unique terrain and the recent armed struggle that disrupted oil and gas infrastructure and activities cannot be overlooked.

“All struggle leaders are naturally inclined to control their primary domain. Therefore, it is crucial that we consider these concerns to prevent another phase of armed struggle in the region. All indications suggest that this reality is imminent, driven by deep-rooted grievances exacerbated by the unprecedented greed of individuals who should have openly discussed this issue with their colleagues and in the spirit of brotherhood,” they said.