Protesters storm NASS, reject pipeline contract split
The group described demands for a review of the contract framework as self-serving, warning that any attempt to alter the arrangement could undermine the security gains recorded in the Niger Delta.
Demonstrators displayed placards with inscriptions such as “Nigeria cannot afford setbacks in oil security”, “Don’t destroy Niger Delta peace for self-interest”, “Say no to disruption of national security efforts”, and “Pipeline contracts must not threaten the 2027 elections”.
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*Protesters
Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa
Protesters under the aegis of Concerned Niger Delta Stakeholders, on Tuesday, stormed the National Assembly opposing calls to decentralise the pipeline surveillance contract currently handled by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL).
The group described demands for a review of the contract framework as self-serving, warning that any attempt to alter the arrangement could undermine the security gains recorded in the Niger Delta.
Demonstrators displayed placards with inscriptions such as “Nigeria cannot afford setbacks in oil security”, “Don’t destroy Niger Delta peace for self-interest”, “Say no to disruption of national security efforts”, and “Pipeline contracts must not threaten the 2027 elections”.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Hon. Duduke Ebitimi recalled that before Tantita’s engagement, the Niger Delta was plagued by widespread criminality, including pipeline vandalism, oil theft, kidnappings and sea piracy, which severely affected crude oil production and the national economy.
He said the unchecked activities of oil thieves and vandals had driven daily oil output down to between 800,000 and 900,000 barrels, threatening the country’s economic stability.
Ebitimi also highlighted the environmental impact of illegal oil bunkering, noting that the proliferation of makeshift refineries had caused severe pollution, with thick smoke emissions contributing to environmental degradation and health challenges across the region.
He added that the insecurity at the time triggered frequent protests, particularly along the East–West Road, which was heavily affected.
However, he maintained that the pipeline surveillance contract had significantly restored stability in the region, improved oil production to over two million barrels per day, and curtailed illegal bunkering activities.
According to the group, the initiative has also created employment opportunities for thousands of youths, strengthened collaboration with security agencies, and enhanced the protection of critical oil infrastructure.
The protesters firmly rejected calls for decentralisation, insisting that those advocating the move lacked the capacity and were driven by personal interests rather than the collective good of the Niger Delta.
They also cautioned against politicising the contract or linking it to the 2027 general elections, urging the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to sustain and expand the current arrangement.
“We state unequivocally that those agitating to alter the contract framework are motivated by greed and do not represent the interests of the Niger Delta,” the group said.
“No one changes a system that is working. As stakeholders, we have seen the benefits of the current framework to the peace, security and economy of both the Niger Delta and Nigeria, and we want it to continue uninterrupted.”
The group further argued that the contract was not awarded arbitrarily but through due process, adding that Tantita earned it on merit by demonstrating the capacity and organisation required to handle such a critical national assignment.
It advised those seeking similar opportunities to pursue contracts through appropriate channels in other sectors of the economy rather than attempting to disrupt an existing system.
