By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja
A socio-political group under the aegis of the South South Initiative has defended the current pipeline surveillance arrangement in the Niger Delta, warning that attempts to discredit the system could undermine efforts that have significantly reduced oil theft and vandalism in the region.
Addressing journalists on Thursday, the President of the group, Emmanuel Iriogbe said the community-driven pipeline protection strategy adopted by the Federal Government has played a crucial role in restoring stability to the Niger Delta and safeguarding Nigeria’s critical oil infrastructure.
The group noted that Nigeria’s crude oil pipelines are vital to the country’s economic survival, lamenting that for decades the nation suffered massive losses due to vandalism, illegal bunkering and organized crude oil theft.
According to the Initiative, previous approaches that relied solely on conventional security agencies failed to effectively curb the menace, leading to trillions of dollars in losses that could have been invested in national development.
It explained that the turning point came when the Federal Government began engaging indigenous surveillance companies with deep knowledge of the terrain and host communities.
The group identified Tantita Security Services and Maton Engineering Services, among other local surveillance firms, as key operators whose involvement has contributed to the significant reduction of pipeline attacks and illegal refining activities across the Niger Delta.
The Initiative said the new security model has enabled the government to obtain more reliable oil production data and make better economic projections.
It added that community participation has been central to the success of the initiative, as local youths and leaders have been integrated into pipeline monitoring operations.
The group further disclosed that when the pipeline surveillance contract was awarded, the leadership of Tantita convened a meeting in Oporoza, the headquarters of the Gbaramatu Kingdom, where community leaders from across the Niger Delta were invited.
According to the Initiative, the meeting ensured that pipeline protection responsibilities were distributed across different ethnic groups and communities where oil facilities are located.