The conflict over surveillance of pipelines in Rivers State has escalated due to the youth groups’ increased demonstrations because of the perceived marginalisation from an engagement session organised by the National Assembly on the issue of crude oil theft and pipeline safety.
The youth, who comprised members of different Niger Delta groups, argued that despite assurances from parliamentarians that consultations had taken place, they were left out. The demonstration marks rising resentment among host communities regarding their lack of involvement in decision-making processes related to oil operations in the area.
The Ijaw Youth Council, National Youth Council of Ogoni People, and Ogoni Host Communities Youth Associations participated in a peaceful procession in Gokana Local Government Area. Carrying placards in different communities, the youths called for their involvement in important deliberations and the decentralisation of contracts for pipeline surveillance.
President of the Ijaw Youth Council, Alaye Theophilus, who led the protest, said the groups were denied a chance to present their position before the National Assembly.
“We were not invited to appear before the National Assembly to defend our petition, despite claims by the committees,” he said.
He also urged the Presidency and the Office of the National Security Adviser to step in, stressing the need for urgent reforms.
“The Federal Government should decentralise the pipeline surveillance contract so that each state can manage its own, in the interest of equity and fairness,” he added.
Similarly, Marcus Nwibani, President of the National Youth Council of Ogoni People, said the protest was driven by the need for inclusion and recognition of host communities.
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“We are not here for publicity; we are here because the Niger Delta is critical to this country. What belongs to the people must be given to the people,” he said.
Nwibani emphasised that involving local communities in pipeline surveillance would enhance peace and accountability.
Also speaking, Emmanuel Bie, President of the Ogoni Youths Federation, lamented the long-standing exclusion of oil-bearing communities from decisions affecting their resources.
“Since oil was discovered in Ogoni in 1958, our people have remained spectators in decisions affecting our resources,” he said.
He noted that despite hosting over 40 oil wells, Ogoni communities have not been awarded surveillance contracts, arguing that decentralisation would improve monitoring and reduce crude oil theft.
The protesting groups maintained that greater involvement of host communities would strengthen security, promote fairness, and ensure sustainable peace in the Niger Delta.
However, their stance differs from that of traditional rulers in Rivers State, who have backed the current pipeline surveillance framework. At a press briefing in Port Harcourt, the monarchs urged the Federal Government to resist calls for decentralisation, citing improvements since the surveillance contract was introduced in 2022 to tackle oil theft and vandalism.
