On Tuesday, a group of protesters comprising Concerned Niger Delta Stakeholders (CNDS) made their way to the National Assembly in Abuja, expressing strong opposition to the proposed decentralization of the oil pipeline surveillance contract currently managed by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
With over 500 demonstrators gathering at the entrance as early as 9 a.m., the event led to significant traffic disruption as they voiced their concerns against any changes to the existing contract arrangement.
The protesters claimed that the contract, associated with Government Ekpemupolo, has played a crucial role in enhancing security in the Niger Delta region while also boosting crude oil production.
Carrying placards inscribed with messages such as “Nigeria cannot afford setbacks in oil security” and “Don’t destroy Niger Delta peace for self- interest,” the demonstrators criticized the decentralization proposal, labeling it as self-serving.
Duduke Ebitimi, representing the group, highlighted that the region had previously experienced rampant criminal activities, including pipeline vandalism, oil theft, kidnapping, and sea piracy, which severely impacted oil output and the nation’s economy.
He pointed out that prior to the start of the surveillance contract, oil production had plummeted to between 800,000 and 900,000 barrels per day, owing to unchecked illegal activities.
Ebitimi reported that the contract has since restored stability and ramped up production to over two million barrels daily, while also diminishing illegal bunkering.
The initiative has not only resulted in increased production but has also created job opportunities for young people, bolstered collaboration with security agencies, and enhanced the safeguarding of vital oil infrastructures.
The CNDS strongly rejected any calls for decentralization, arguing that proponents of such changes lack the necessary capacity and are primarily motivated by personal gains rather than the broader interests of regional development.
They cautioned against the politicization of the contract, particularly regarding the upcoming 2027 general elections, urging the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to maintain the existing contractual framework.
The demonstrators firmly asserted that the contract was awarded through proper channels and should remain intact, warning that altering an effective system might jeopardize the progress achieved in the region.
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