Urge More Youth Groups to Join Pipeline Surveillance Contract, Advocates Implore Government

The Call for Inclusive Pipeline Surveillance in the Niger Delta

The Oro Youth Movement, an advocacy group based in Akwa Ibom State, has made a compelling appeal to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Their request centers on enhancing the pipeline surveillance framework in the Niger Delta by integrating more youth organizations and responsible youth leaders from the region.

This call was made by the National President of the group, Edet Eyo, in a statement released on Sunday in Uyo. He emphasized that the protection of Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure must involve a collective and inclusive approach, particularly with the participation of host communities.

Eyo highlighted the significant contributions made by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited through its pipeline surveillance contract. According to him, this initiative has played a crucial role in stabilizing the Niger Delta and safeguarding the nation’s economic lifeline.

“I call on the Federal Government to strengthen the pipeline surveillance framework in the Niger Delta to incorporate major youth organisations and responsible youth leaders across the region,” he said. “The protection of Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure requires a collective and inclusive approach involving the host communities where these national assets are located.”

He further pointed out that the surveillance contract had helped save the country from substantial financial losses by curbing activities such as illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism. “The improvement in crude oil production and the reduction of illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta clearly show that the initiative is producing positive results,” he added.

However, Eyo stressed that achieving more sustainable outcomes would require the Federal Government to direct its contractors to expand the framework to include major youth organizations and leaders across the Niger Delta. He argued that protecting national assets should not be the responsibility of a single group.

“It is unjust and totally unacceptable for the beneficiaries of the proceeds from this job to be solely members of ex-militant groups and agitators, while several credible and responsible youth organisations that have continued to promote peace and development in the region are left out,” he stated.

Eyo explained that many organized youth bodies and community leaders in the Niger Delta possess the structure, credibility, and grassroots presence necessary to significantly strengthen surveillance operations and intelligence gathering if properly engaged. He noted that broadening participation would promote fairness, reduce tensions among youths, and ensure that more communities take ownership of the responsibility of protecting pipelines and other oil installations.

“When the Federal Government and its contractors work closely with credible youth organisations and leaders across the region, it will deepen community participation, enhance transparency, and further discourage pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft,” he said.

Eyo urged the Federal Government to adopt a more inclusive and balanced approach that recognizes the role of responsible youth groups in safeguarding the nation’s oil infrastructure while promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development in the Niger Delta.

He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Oro Youth Movement to supporting policies and initiatives aimed at protecting Nigeria’s national assets and strengthening peace across the region.