A consortium of youth groups in Rivers State has appealed to the FG to decentralise the contract of pipeline monitoring and security to usher in permanent peace in the Niger Delta.
In its recent statement made in Port Harcourt, the youth group has implored President Bola Tinubu to make bold strides towards restructuring the contract to include the involvement of local communities.
Charles Malford, who signed the statement on behalf of the group, explained that decentralizing the monitoring contract is crucial because it would lead to accountability. The youth group commended the FG for its efforts aimed at boosting development in oil-producing communities but also stressed that there is still need to decentralize policies in order to solve other lingering problems.
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The coalition believes that having a monopoly over pipeline monitoring and security will not bring any benefit to the community. They further emphasized that decentralization will bring employment to youths, reduce crime rate and check drug abuse. They added that local youths are better positioned to protect critical infrastructure due to their familiarity with the terrain, making community-based surveillance more effective.
The coalition also urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to review and clearly define existing pipeline and wellhead surveillance contracts to ensure transparency and efficiency. Reaffirming its commitment to peace and development, the group described decentralisation as a necessary step toward fostering inclusiveness, strengthening regional cooperation, and improving security across the Niger Delta.
