The Amanyanabo of Bakana, a key oil-producing community in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, His Royal Highness King Lawrence Odum-Barboy, has called on the Federal Government to decentralise and demonopolise pipeline surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta, arguing that the current arrangement undermines transparency, inclusivity and effective security of oil and gas assets.

In a statement issued on Friday, the traditional ruler criticised what he described as the concentration of pipeline surveillance responsibilities in the hands of a single security outfit, saying the practice violates the principles of public procurement and encourages a lack of competition and accountability.

According to him, oil and gas security contracts in the region should not be awarded to only one individual or entity to the exclusion of other capable stakeholders.

Odum-Barboy said his call was informed by the need to broaden pipeline surveillance coverage, eliminate monopoly in security service provision within Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, and address longstanding grievances by communities and stakeholders who feel excluded despite possessing the capacity to contribute meaningfully to oil infrastructure protection.

The monarch argued that decentralising surveillance contracts would lead to improved security of oil and gas installations, enhanced stability in oil-bearing communities and a potential increase in crude oil production across the Niger Delta.

He noted that security challenges vary significantly from one community to another, making a centralised surveillance structure ineffective.

According to him, the prevailing system, under which pipeline surveillance contracts are reportedly awarded solely to one security company, cannot deliver sustainable peace or significantly curb oil theft, vandalism and illegal bunkering, as incidents of such crimes continue to be reported in parts of Rivers State despite the existing arrangements.

The Bakana monarch further maintained that no single organisation possesses sufficient local knowledge to address the diverse and peculiar security issues across the Niger Delta.

He said it was unfair and illogical to sideline other prominent individuals and groups in the region, including traditional rulers, who have contributed to maintaining peace in their communities.

Citing examples, Odum-Barboy said local security outfits such as Royal Fouche Security, also known as the Amama Soldiers, have played notable roles in protecting lives, property and oil installations in parts of Degema Local Government Area and Kalabari land, yet are not considered in the award of surveillance contracts.

He also expressed concern that the Bakana community has allegedly been neglected in current surveillance operations, despite hosting major oil and gas infrastructure, including Oil Mining Lease (OML) 18 operated by NNPC Eighteen Operating Limited, as well as high-pressure gas pipelines operated by Nigeria LNG Limited and OANDO.

On behalf of the people of Bakana, Odum-Barboy appealed to President Bola Tinubu, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Engr. Bayo Ojulari, and the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, to urgently review the pipeline surveillance framework in the Niger Delta.

He said a decentralised and inclusive approach would promote fairness, transparency and stability, while boosting oil output and revenue for the country.

The monarch concluded by urging the Federal Government and NNPC Limited to consider engaging competent individuals and community-based stakeholders, particularly in Rivers State, as part of a restructured surveillance system aimed at achieving lasting peace and security in the Niger Delta.