Coalition Seeks Akpabio’s Intervention In Pipeline Surveillance Contracts

A coalition of Niger Delta groups and stakeholders has begged the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to intervene in the Nigeria Delta pipeline contract issues to avoid problems in the region.

The coalition expressed concern over what it described as a growing “cold war” among stakeholders and former agitators in the region, warning that the situation could escalate if not urgently addressed.

The coalition, comprising organisations such as the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities and the United Niger Delta Congress, made this known during a peaceful protest at the National Assembly, Abuja, where it submitted a petition to the Senate president.

On behalf of the group, the coalition’s president-general, Dr Alaye Theophilus, said the development was largely driven by concerns about inclusion and equitable participation in pipeline surveillance operations across the region.

According to him, the current structure has created tensions among various stakeholders.

He said, “We are witnessing increasing tension among stakeholders and former agitators in the Niger Delta, largely arising from concerns about inclusion and equitable access to opportunities within the pipeline surveillance framework.”

Alaye noted that while the region remains central to Nigeria’s economic stability due to its oil and gas resources, sustaining peace and cooperation among local actors was critical to safeguarding national assets.

He explained that the coalition’s intervention was aimed at promoting dialogue and preventing further divisions.

“Our objective is to encourage a more inclusive framework that brings together stakeholders across the region in a manner that promotes cooperation, trust, and shared responsibility,” he added.

Also, national secretary of the United Niger Delta Congress, Comrade Emaluji Michael Sunday, described the coalition’s demand as a call for fairness and inclusiveness.