Niger Delta youths protest at NASS, petition Akpabio over pipeline surveillance

The Coalition of Niger Delta Youths have submitted a petition to the President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, over lingering pipeline surveillance issues.

The youths presented their petition to the Senate President during a peaceful protest at” the National Assembly on Wednesday where they demanded the decentralisation of the pipelines contracts.

Addressing the press, Emaluji Michael Sunday, the National Secretary, United Niger Delta Congress, UNDC, said the coalition was at the National Assembly to demand a fair deal for their people.

“The demand for decentralization of pipeline surveillance operations is not just a call for fairness, but a cry for justice,” the Coalition said.

“For too long, our people have suffered the consequences of oil exploration and production without reaping the benefits.”

They noted that the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2021, provides for community participation in the oil and gas industry.

“We demand that this provision be implemented. Chapter 3, Section 257 of the PIA states that ‘the host community shall be entitled to participate in the management of the petroleum operations in their area’.

“We insist that the pipeline surveillance contracts should be decentralized and spread out to the states of the Niger Delta region, as our common patrimony, rather than being handed over to one family or individual.

“This is the only way to ensure fairness, transparency, and equitable distribution of benefits.

“Localization of pipeline surveillance will greatly improve security in our region. When our people are involved in the protection of these pipelines, we will see a significant reduction in oil theft, vandalism, and other forms of sabotage.

“This will not only increase revenue for our government, but also create jobs and stimulate economic growth in our communities.”

Niger Delta youths protest at NASS, petition Akpabio over pipeline surveillance