“DON’T BREAK WHAT WORKS!” Itsekiri Coalition Backs Centralised Pipeline Surveillance, Warns Against Risky Overhaul

…Says Decentralisation Will Endanger Oil Assets, Slow Production Growth

A coalition of Itsekiri stakeholders has strongly opposed ongoing calls to decentralise pipeline surveillance contracts, warning that such a move could jeopardise Nigeria’s oil infrastructure and reverse recent gains in crude oil production.

The position was made public during a World Press Conference in Ugbuwangue, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, where leaders across oil-producing communities declared that centralised pipeline surveillance remains the most effective model for national security.

In a joint statement read by Comrade Mone Oris, Chairman of the Itsekiri Liberation Group (ILG), the coalition warned that fragmenting surveillance responsibilities across multiple community groups would complicate coordination, weaken accountability, and expose pipelines to sabotage and breaches.

“Disaggregating surveillance responsibilities will complicate coordination, dilute accountability, and expose critical infrastructure to greater risk,” the statement said.

The statement was jointly endorsed by prominent Itsekiri leaders, including: Bobby Omadeli – Itsekiri Grassroots Coalition (IGC), Itse Omajugho – Host Communities (Itsekiri Chapter), Ajemijeroma Mene-Ejegi – Delta State Peace Movement (DSPM), Sam Oki Metsh – Itsekiri Youth for Good Governance (IYGG), Mone Oris – Itsekiri Liberation Group (ILG), Felix Amatoritsero – Warri Social, Issac Eyengho – Iwere Voice (IIV), and Noyor Juliet – OPHCV.

The stakeholders anchored their argument on the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, noting that the law already provides a well-structured framework for pipeline security.

According to them, the Act is built on three pillars, Commercial viability, Host community integration, and National security.

However, they stressed that pipeline surveillance is not a community benefit to be shared, but a specialised security responsibility requiring professional coordination.

While rejecting decentralisation, the coalition affirmed that host communities are not excluded from the current system.

Speaking to journalists, Itse Omajugho, Chairman of Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM), Itsekiri chapter, explained that contractors already work closely with local communities.

“The contractors go to the communities and work with their leadership. The communities are fully involved. Decentralisation is not the issue—engagement is,” he said.

The coalition noted that Nigeria’s pipeline surveillance system has evolved over time, with earlier community-driven models delivering limited results.

They argued that the shift to centralised, performance-based systems has improved accountability, reduced pipeline vandalism, and boosted oil production levels.

The group also praised Bola Tinubu for awarding pipeline surveillance contracts to indigenous firms such as Pipelines Infrastructure Nigeria Limited and Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.

They described the move as strategic and inclusive, noting that it balances local participation with professional oversight.

Reinforcing their stance, the group urged proponents of decentralisation to reconsider, warning that past attempts had proven counterproductive.

“We are not in support of decentralised pipeline protection. We have seen what it did in the past. The centralised system is the best way to sustain rising oil output,” he said.