By Abubakar Yunusa
The Civil Society Organization Network (CSONN) has called on the federal government to review its approach to pipeline security in the Niger Delta.
The chairman of the coalition, Collins Eshiofeh, made this call while addressing journalists during a peaceful protest held at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) headquarters in Abuja yesterday.
He stated that despite commendations to the Nigerian Navy and President Bola Tinubu for recent efforts to curb oil theft, the CSONN is alarmed by the ongoing environmental and security crises affecting local communities questionable pipeline surveillance contracts.
According to him, such decisions not only compromise national security but also risk empowering these groups to further arm themselves, thereby perpetuating violence and instability in a region already beset by challenges.
He called on President Tinubu to intervene and direct the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to cease the award of surveillance contracts to companies led by individuals.
“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.
“It is time for the Nigerian government to take decisive action to safeguard the nation’s assets, restore confidence in its security apparatus, and maintain its standing in the international community,” he said.