Following the recent insecurity bedevilling the Niger Delta region, the Civil Society Organization Network of Nigeria (CSONN) has called for a review of pipeline surveillance contracts in the region.
CSONN, who took their protest to the headquarters of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in Abuja, raised the alarm over environmental and security crises affecting local communities, exacerbated by questionable pipeline surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta.
Addressing journalists during the protest, the Chairman of CSONN, Collins Eshiofeh, said the attack in Okauma village, resulting in the loss of 17 soldiers, serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of arming those with a history of violence.
Eshiofeh further stated that allowing persons with militancy backgrounds to handle sensitive contracts not only compromises national security but also risks empowering these groups to further arm themselves.
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“The Coalition insists that entrusting pipeline security to those with militant backgrounds undermines Nigeria’s sovereignty and international reputation, particularly within OPEC”, the CSO said.
They, however, called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and direct the NNPCL to cease the award of surveillance contracts to companies led by individuals of questionable character.
“By continuing this practice, the Nigerian state appears to be yielding to the demands of militants, rather than upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of its citizens. This capitulation threatens to erode public confidence and the authority of the state”, Eshiofeh noted.
While presenting their demands, CSONN called for the government to “review and revoke pipeline surveillance contracts currently held by former militants to prevent the potential misuse of such funds for arms proliferation.
“Investigate the proliferation of arms in the Niger Delta, including the role of armed militants in the importation of illegal weapons.
“Ensure that the Nigerian Military and pipeline protection companies operate with the utmost professionalism and are not complicit in arms trafficking”.