Ohanaeze Youths Applaud Court Ruling On Pipeline Surveillance Contract

The Ohanaeze Youth Ndigbo Youth Movement has welcomed the ruling of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja, which upheld the continuation of the nation’s pipeline surveillance contract and dismissed attempts to restructure it.

The group described the judgment as a significant boost to national economic stability and a validation of the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in efforts aimed at protecting critical oil infrastructure.

The court presided over by Justice Bello, threw out a suit filed by the Registered Trustees of the People’s Well-Being Association, which sought to halt and reorganise the surveillance arrangement. The court held that such a move would run contrary to national economic interests.

The suit had listed as defendants the Attorney General of the Federation, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PIN), and Abokus Integrated Security Services Limited.

In a statement issued by its national secretary, Anderson Achili, the Ohanaeze Youth group commended the judiciary for what it called a firm stance in defence of national interest, noting that maintaining a unified surveillance structure has been key to reducing crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

According to the group, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has demonstrated strong capacity in safeguarding pipelines, contributing to improved crude oil output and increased national revenue.

“The judgment is not just a legal victory but an economic one for Nigeria. It reinforces the importance of sustaining proven strategies that have helped stabilise the oil sector and strengthen government earnings,” the statement read.

The group also cautioned against renewed calls for the decentralisation or splitting of the surveillance contract, warning that such actions could weaken operational efficiency and reverse recent gains in the sector.

It urged stakeholders to continue supporting the existing framework while working closely with relevant security agencies and private operators to ensure the protection of Nigeria’s oil assets.