The Chairman of the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum and President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Mr. Jonathan Heineken Lokpobiri, has called on the Federal Government to broaden the scope of pipeline surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta to include critical oil and gas infrastructure such as wellheads, manifolds, terminals, and other strategic facilities.
Lokpobiri appealed on Monday, May 25, 2026, in Abuja while leading youth leaders from various ethnic nationalities in the region on a solidarity walk to the National Assembly in support of sustainable pipeline infrastructure security.
He noted that while the current contracts were designed primarily for pipelines, the prevailing security realities in the oil-rich region demand a more comprehensive approach to adequately protect national assets.
“Expanding the scope of these contracts will enhance operational efficiency, generate more employment opportunities for Niger Delta youths, and strengthen the capacity of the security firms involved,” Lokpobiri said.
The IYC president cautioned against any moves that could undermine the existing peace and security framework in the region, warning that such actions might trigger a resurgence of crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, and environmental degradation.
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He commended the Security Services and other surveillance contractors for their contributions to safeguarding critical national assets, describing the recent endorsement by the National Assembly as a testament to their growing effectiveness.
While acknowledging the right of all stakeholders to benefit from economic opportunities in the region, Lokpobiri stressed that pipeline surveillance is a sensitive national responsibility that must be entrusted to proven and competent operators.
He urged the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to explore alternative avenues, such as job creation and other economic interventions, to address the concerns of aggrieved parties without disrupting operations that are already delivering positive results.
Lokpobiri emphasised that environmental security in the Niger Delta should not be politicised or subjected to avoidable disruptions.
