Dare Babalola
A coalition of youth groups from the Niger Delta has called for a restructuring of pipeline surveillance arrangements, urging the leadership of the National Assembly of Nigeria to ensure greater inclusion of host communities in the management of oil assets.
The groups made their demands known on Wednesday during a peaceful demonstration at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, where they submitted a formal petition to Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Emaluji Michael Sunday of the United Niger Delta Congress said the protest was aimed at drawing attention to what he described as the marginalisation of oil-producing communities in the award of pipeline surveillance contracts.
“What we are asking for goes beyond fairness; it is about justice for communities that bear the brunt of oil exploration,” he said.
The coalition argued that existing arrangements concentrate surveillance responsibilities in the hands of a few individuals, leaving out many communities directly impacted by oil production activities.
They also referenced provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, insisting that the law supports active participation of host communities in petroleum operations.
“The law is clear that host communities should be involved in managing petroleum resources within their areas. That provision must not remain on paper,” the group stated.
According to the protesters, decentralising pipeline surveillance contracts across states in the Niger Delta would promote transparency and ensure a more equitable distribution of economic benefits.
“Spreading these contracts across the region will create jobs, empower local populations, and strengthen accountability,” the coalition added.
They further maintained that involving local communities in protecting oil infrastructure would help curb crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, challenges that have long plagued the region.
“When the people take ownership of these assets, incidents of sabotage will reduce significantly, and government revenue will improve,” the group said.
The petition is the latest in a series of agitations from stakeholders in the Niger Delta seeking broader participation in the oil and gas sector.
