Pipeline Surveillance Is Not ‘Settlement’ – Itsekiri Group Cautions Against Politicising Niger Delta Security Contracts

…Say PIA Never Designed Surveillance as Community Sharing Formula.

A fresh warning has been issued over growing calls to decentralise pipeline surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta, with coordinators of the Itsekiri Grassroot Coalition (IGC), Comr. Oritseneye Fredrick (Warri South) and Noyor Juliet A. (Warri South West), cautioning that such moves could jeopardise Nigeria’s oil production and national security framework.

The Itsekiri Grassroot Coalition in a statement, expressed concern that renewed agitation to allocate surveillance contracts along community lines, though seemingly inclusive, could undermine the fragile gains in oil sector stability.

According to the group, Nigeria is currently working to stabilise crude oil output and rebuild investor confidence, making it risky to politicise such a critical component of the energy sector.

Citing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, the group maintained that the law clearly separates security responsibilities from community benefits.

The Act, they noted, is built on three pillars: Commercial viability, Host community participation, and National security.

However, they acknowledged that the law does not assign pipeline surveillance as a community entitlement, instead, host communities are catered for under the Host Community Development Trust, which provides a structured framework for development and benefit-sharing—without compromising operational control.

Drawing from industry experience, the IGC leaders argued that centralised surveillance systems with clear accountability mechanisms have delivered better results over time.

They referenced operational improvements recorded in recent years, linking them to: Stronger coordination, Performance-based contracts, and Clear lines of responsibility.

Security firms, including Ocean Marine Solutions, were cited as examples of models that introduced accountability measures—such as making contractors liable for pipeline breaches under their watch.

The coalition warned that breaking surveillance responsibilities into multiple community-based units could weaken coordination, dilute accountability, and increase conflict among local actors.

In the already complex Niger Delta security environment, the statement warned that such fragmentation could create more problems than it solves.

Referencing global standards, IGC noted that oil-producing regions across the world rely on centralised command structures to secure critical infrastructure.

Fragmentation, they argued, is widely seen as a security risk—not a solution.

While emphasising the importance of host communities, they clarified that community involvement must be structured—not arbitrary.

“Sustainable pipeline security depends on trust and cooperation, but that must align with operational integrity,” they noted.

The group urged stakeholders and policymakers to focus on proper implementation of the PIA, rather than pushing for changes driven by political or economic interests.

“Pipeline surveillance is too critical to be treated as a concession. It is a national security function that demands competence and accountability,” the statement concluded.