The Niger Delta Watchdog has urged the Federal Government to disregard calls by some individuals seeking the decentralisation of petroleum pipeline protection across the country.
The group made the appeal in a statement jointly signed on Monday by its Central Coordinator, Mr Johnny Obakpororo, alongside state coordinators and other key officials across the Niger Delta region.
Signatories to the statement included High Chief Idowu Asonja (Ondo State), Comr Douye Isoun (Bayelsa State), Comr John Etefia (Cross River State), Comr Bakpa Orerhime (Delta State), Comr Uyoata (Akwa Ibom State), and the Central Public Relations Officer, Comr Ellington Bakumor.
The group warned that although decentralisation is often viewed as a strategy to promote inclusivity and local participation, applying it to pipeline security in the Niger Delta could pose serious risks to peace, security, and economic stability.
According to the statement, oil pipeline infrastructure remains critical to Nigeria’s economy, noting that any disruption could have far-reaching consequences on crude oil production and the nation’s revenue.
It cautioned that decentralising pipeline surveillance could lead to fragmentation of authority, heightened insecurity, and increased threats to critical national assets.
The group, therefore, called on the Federal Government to sustain the current centralised pipeline surveillance system being managed by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
It noted that the firm had recorded measurable success in stabilising the region, curbing pipeline vandalism, and boosting oil production through a coordinated security framework.
The statement further highlighted the company’s role in conflict resolution and peacebuilding, stating that it had facilitated dialogue among previously warring communities and reduced tensions over land and resource control.
It added that the structured engagement had helped manage competing interests, prevent escalation of disputes, and promote a unified approach to pipeline protection.
“Tantita’s coordinated approach has reduced pipeline vandalism, improved surveillance and response mechanisms, and ensured consistent protection of oil and gas assets,” the group said.
It also noted that the existing framework had supported uninterrupted economic activities and strengthened Nigeria’s overall economic outlook.
The watchdog stressed that the Niger Delta remained the backbone of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, making it imperative for any security arrangement in the region to prioritise stability, coordination, and conflict prevention.
It warned that decentralising pipeline security could result in revenue losses, reduced oil production, increased operational costs, and damage to Nigeria’s international economic reputation.
The group further expressed concern that such a move could trigger fresh inter-community disputes, intensify internal conflicts, and encourage the emergence of competing power blocs within communities.
“In a decentralised system, assigning security responsibilities to multiple local entities may reinforce competing claims, legitimise disputes, and trigger renewed hostilities,” the statement added.
The group advised the Federal Government to maintain and strengthen the current centralised framework while avoiding any policy shift that could fragment security responsibilities.
It also urged authorities to scrutinise and disregard calls for decentralisation, alleging that such demands may be driven by narrow, self-serving interests rather than national priorities.
The group warned that implementing decentralisation could reverse the gains already achieved, leading to a resurgence of pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and widespread instability.
It added that the cumulative effect of such outcomes would pose a serious threat to national security and potentially trigger an economic downturn.
