Expert Calls For Transparency In Niger Delta Pipeline Surveillance Contracts

A security communication expert, Tajudeen Suleiman, has called for greater transparency and evidence-based scrutiny of pipeline surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta.

Suleiman made the call in an opinion article titled, “Asari Dokubo’s Pipeline Contract Claims And The Stakes For Niger Delta Security,” following recent comments by former Niger Delta militant, Asari Dokubo, on pipeline surveillance arrangements.

In a viral video, Dokubo had made claims about payments allegedly received by Osahon Idahosa and the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, for pipeline protection.

Suleiman said the figure cited by Dokubo appeared to have shifted from a monthly amount to an annual figure, and that no supporting documentation was publicly presented.

He said claims involving large sums of public money should be tested against official records, verifiable documents and appropriate oversight mechanisms.

According to him, while public debate over government contracts was legitimate, unsupported claims could distract from broader questions about the transparency, effectiveness and accountability of pipeline surveillance arrangements.

Suleiman said the controversy also underscored the need for closer scrutiny of pipeline surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta, including the arrangement involving Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, associated with Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

He noted that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited engaged Tantita in 2022 for pipeline surveillance, with public reports valuing the arrangement at about N48 billion annually.

Suleiman said the cost, effectiveness and beneficiaries of government security contracts should be subjected to evidence-based investigations and institutional oversight.

He added that pipeline surveillance remained important to the protection of oil infrastructure, particularly in the Niger Delta, where pipelines pass through creeks, mangrove forests and waterways.

According to him, specialised surveillance contractors could complement conventional security agencies by monitoring pipelines and providing information on suspected crude theft, vandalism and other threats to relevant authorities.

Suleiman cited Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative data showing that the country lost 36.69 million barrels of crude to theft and sabotage in 2022, compared with 7.68 million barrels in 2023.

He said several factors affected crude production and losses, adding that security measures remained among the issues requiring continued attention.

Suleiman also cited data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission showing crude and condensate production of 1,677,777 barrels per day in August 2026, including 1,500,190 barrels of crude.

He said the figure was sufficient to meet Nigeria’s OPEC crude production quota of 1.5 million barrels per day for the fourth consecutive month.

He called for greater clarity in the award and implementation of pipeline surveillance contracts, including disclosure of expenditure, contractors’ performance obligations and measurable outcomes.

Suleiman also advocated independent oversight, environmental protection and meaningful community development as part of efforts to improve security and stability in the Niger Delta.

He urged stakeholders to ensure that discussions around oil security and pipeline surveillance promote accountability without fuelling regional or communal tensions.