Protesters under the aegis of the Warri Indigenous People Movement on Wednesday demanded that the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) respect the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) in the award of pipeline surveillance contracts.
The group also urged the government to halt the award of pipeline surveillance contracts in Itsekiri communities to persons they describe as outsiders and perceived adversaries.
The demonstrators, led by their Chairman, Kingsley Tenumah, and General Secretary, Comrade Monoyo Edon, wielded placards with inscriptions such as “NNPC Must Obey the Petroleum Industry Act and Award All Surveillance Contracts on Itsekiri Homeland to Itsekiris,” and “National Security Adviser Must Intervene and Call NNPCL to Order to Obey the PIA.”
The group which submitted a petition addressed to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and dated June 18, 2025, said the government’s continued exclusion of host communities from security-related contracts violates the spirit of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which, according to them, promotes the direct involvement of oil-bearing communities in the protection of critical infrastructure.
The group issued a seven-day ultimatum, threatening to embark on peaceful protests and other civil actions if their demands were not addressed.
The petition read in part: “The government’s continued decision to award pipeline surveillance, security and maintenance contracts in our community to individuals and companies affiliated with our sworn enemies has created an untenable situation. This practice not only undermines our community’s well-being but also poses a significant threat to our safety and security.
“As a host community, we are entitled to certain rights and benefits under the law, particularly with the advent of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). We urge your office, as a matter of urgency, to advise the government to rescind its pipeline surveillance, security and maintenance contract award processes that traverse the Itsekiri community.
“Your Excellency, we further bring to your attention a disturbing situation where an individual has been making boastful comments about our community’s numbers being insignificant, despite our indelible contributions to the nation’s economy.
“This individual has been belittling our importance because his company enjoys surveillance contracts awarded in our domain instead of each host community having such responsibility as enshrined in the PIA.”
The group then called for the establishment of a transparent and fair contract award process that prioritises the interests of the host community.
“Your Excellency, in light of the above, we urge you to take immediate action to address our concerns and demands. We require a response to our demands within seven days from the date of receipt of this petition. Failure to respond or take meaningful action may lead to further action, including protests and other forms of peaceful demonstration.
“We hope that you will take our demands seriously and work towards finding a solution that benefits our community.
“We trust and believe in the neutrality, dignity, and trustworthiness of the NSA. Given your pedigree and history of professionalism, we are confident that you will handle this matter with the seriousness and fairness it deserves,” the group added.
