TheCable

The Civil Society Coalition in Nigeria (CSCN) has called on the federal government to ensure that pipeline protection contracts are no longer awarded to militants.

Taiwo Adeleye, CSCN publicity director, said this on Monday during a media briefing on the theme: ‘Insecurity, Environmental Threats and Oil Production in Nigeria’.

He said it amounted to “self deceit” for militants to be given billions of naira to protect oil pipelines, noting that such an act may further fuel proliferation of illicit arms in the Niger Delta region.

Adeleye said the coalition is concerned about the future of oil, livelihood and human security in Nigeria, as protection of oil pipelines by non-state actors could compromise national security.

“The Coalition of Civil Society Groups in Nigeria, urgently addresses the nation to express grave concerns over the federal government’s approach to pipeline security in the Niger Delta,” Adeleye said.

“Recent developments highlight a disturbing trend — surveillance contracts are being awarded to individuals and entities with a history of militant activity against the Nigerian state.

“Such decisions not only compromise national security but also risk empowering these groups to further arm themselves, thereby perpetuating violence and instability in a region already beset by challenges.”

Adeleye called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and direct the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) to cease the award of surveillance contracts to companies led by individuals of questionable character.

Adeleye added that the president should review and revoke pipeline surveillance contracts currently held by people associated with violence and even terrorism in the past, to prevent the potential misuse of such funds for arms proliferation.

Adeleye said continuing such practice could mean that Nigeria is yielding to the dictates of militants, rather than upholding the rule of law.

“Review and revoke pipeline surveillance contracts currently held by people associated with violence in the past and even terrorism, including former armed militants, to prevent the potential misuse of such funds for arms proliferation,” he said.

“President Tinubu should investigate the proliferation of arms in the Niger Delta, including the role of armed militants in the importation of illegal weapons. This is a major issue that must be addressed if Nigeria is to be taken seriously by the international community.

“Ensure that the Nigerian military and pipeline protection companies operate with the utmost professionalism and are not complicit in arms trafficking.”