The Amanyanabo of Bakana, an oil-bearing community in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State, His Royal Highness King Lawrence Odum Barboy, has called for the decentralisation and demonopolisation of oil and gas pipeline security surveillance services in the Niger Delta.
He described the current arrangement—where surveillance contracts are reportedly awarded to a single entity across the region—as unacceptable, alleging that it violates public procurement principles and undermines transparency, competition, and accountability.
The monarch said the call was driven by the need to improve pipeline security, eliminate monopoly, promote inclusivity in contract awards, and address concerns of stakeholders who feel sidelined despite possessing relevant capacity and local knowledge.
In a statement personally signed by him, King Barboy said decentralising pipeline surveillance would enhance stability in oil-bearing communities and boost oil production across the Niger Delta.
He argued that the unique security challenges of different communities require a decentralised approach rather than a one-size-fits-all model. According to him, awarding all surveillance contracts to Tantita Security Services cannot deliver sustainable peace or effectively curb oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
“It is not fair, rational, or logical to award all pipeline surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta to only one entity, thereby sidelining other capable individuals and community-based security outfits, some led by traditional rulers who have contributed significantly to peace in the region,” he said.
The monarch cited Royal Fouche Security, also known as Amama Soldiers, as an example of a local outfit actively securing lives, property, and oil installations in Degema Local Government Area and wider Kalabari land without being considered for federal surveillance contracts.
He further noted that despite the current surveillance arrangement, incidents of oil theft, illegal bunkering, and pipeline vandalism persist in Rivers State, raising questions about the effectiveness of the monopolised system.
Against this backdrop, King Barboy appealed to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, and the National Security Adviser to review the existing pipeline surveillance framework in the Niger Delta to promote fairness, inclusivity, and regional stability.
The monarch also expressed displeasure over what he described as the neglect of Bakana community by Tantita Security Services, despite the presence of critical oil and gas infrastructure in the area, including OML-18 and major gas pipelines operated by NLNG and OANDO.
He alleged that Bakana community leaders had been unable to reach the Tantita coordinator responsible for the area, claiming repeated communication attempts were ignored.
“We are asking them to relocate their surveillance camps from our territory, since they do not acknowledge or recognise our rights and traditional authority,” the monarch said.
Blessing Ibunge
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