The fight against oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta has taken a dramatic turn as a prominent monarch from Rivers State has voiced strong criticism against the current system of pipeline surveillance contracts. His Royal Highness King Lawrence Odum Barboy, the Amanyan the of Bakana, is calling for a complete overhaul, arguing that the current monopolistic approach is not only unfair but also ineffective in securing the region’s vital oil infrastructure. This bold statement highlights deep-seated frustrations within oil-bearing communities who feel excluded and ignored.
Key Points at a Glance:
- Monopoly Under Fire: King Barboy slams the awarding of all pipeline surveillance contracts to a single company.
- Calls for Decentralisation: He urges the government to break up the contracts and involve more local stakeholders.
- Security Gaps Exposed: The current system is accused of failing to stop rampant oil theft and vandalism.
- Exclusion and Neglect: Local security outfits and communities feel sidelined and ignored.
- Demand for Review: The monarch appeals to top government officials to rethink the surveillance framework.
A Kingdom’s Cry: Stop the Monopoly!
The traditional ruler of Bakana, a community heavily impacted by oil activities in the Degema Local Government Area, has openly declared the current arrangement of pipeline surveillance as a major problem. He believes that giving all the surveillance jobs to one company, reportedly Tantita Security Services, is not only against fair competition rules but also breeds corruption and lack of accountability. Imagine, all the critical security contracts for a whole region given to just one outfit! This leaves many capable hands, including local security groups with deep knowledge of the terrain, completely out in the cold.
Why Decentralisation is Key for Stability
King Barboy argues that the Niger Delta isn’t a one-size-fits-all place. Each community faces unique security challenges. A centralised, monopolised system just can’t tackle these varied threats effectively. He specifically mentioned local outfits like Royal Fouche Security, also known as Amama Soldiers, who have been doing a commendable job securing lives and property in the Degema and wider Kalabari areas. Yet, they get no federal recognition or contracts. This is a real shame, as these local groups often have the trust and intelligence needed on the ground.
Oil Theft Persists Despite Surveillance
What’s even more concerning is that despite this supposedly comprehensive surveillance network, oil theft, illegal bunkering, and pipeline destruction continue to plague Rivers State. This raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the current model. Is the money being spent wisely? Are the right people being employed? The persistence of these crimes suggests that the current setup is simply not working as it should, maybe even some of the officials are involved.
An Appeal to the Top
In light of these persistent issues, King Barboy has made a direct appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, and the National Security Adviser. He’s asking them to take a serious look at the existing pipeline surveillance framework in the Niger Delta. The goal? To ensure fairness, include more stakeholders, and ultimately bring more stability to the region. He also expressed his own community’s frustration, stating that Bakana feels neglected by Tantita Security Services, even with major oil and gas infrastructure like OML-18 and crucial gas pipelines passing through their land. Despite attempts to communicate, the monarch claims their calls have been ignored, leading to demands for the surveillance camps to be relocated.
Moving Forward: A Call for Action
The King’s strong words are a wake-up call for the Nigerian government and the oil industry. It’s time to move beyond a system that excludes capable local actors and fails to deliver on its promises. A more decentralised and inclusive approach to pipeline surveillance could not only improve security but also foster better community relations and economic opportunities in the Niger Delta. We need solutions that work for everyone, not just a select few.
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