Niger Delta Leaders Demand Decentralisation of Pipeline Surveillance Contract

Former Niger Delta agitators and the Niger Delta Stakeholders Forum (NDSF) have urged President Bola Tinubu to break up the current pipeline surveillance contract and allocate it across the nine Niger Delta states.

The demand was made at the palace of the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, Ateke Michael Tom, where ex-militant leader General Shoot-at-Sight criticised the centralised system as “deceitful” and dismissive of other leaders’ contributions to the region’s struggle.

He noted that during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, pipeline security was decentralised, which he said helped boost oil production.

“We were doing this job state by state. Since they gave this job to only one person, oil production has not increased again,” he said.

Gen. Boy-Loaf also called on the President to decentralise the arrangement, warning that broader inclusion would be key to gaining stakeholder support ahead of the 2027 elections.

“If the President really wants to achieve what he wants in 2027, he has to show love, because only one person cannot deliver,” he said.

NDSF Secretary-General Theophilus Tari Alaye echoed the position, stating that decentralisation would promote peace, economic growth, and environmental protection in the region.

He rejected claims that the move could be postponed until after the elections, insisting on immediate implementation.

“Giving the contract to one person is not in the interest of the Niger Delta. We need jobs for our youth, increased oil production, and protection of our environment. We believe Mr. President will listen to the call of the stakeholders and do the needful,” Alaye said.

The stakeholders emphasised that urgent decentralisation is necessary to stabilise the region, attract investment, and increase oil production.

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