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The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Good Governance (CCSOGG) has called for an evidence-based assessment of pipeline surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta, urging stakeholders to avoid unverified claims capable of undermining critical national security operations.
The coalition, at a press briefing in Lagos, also defended the Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) and its Project Director, Osahon Okunbo, against allegations surrounding the value and performance of the company’s pipeline surveillance contract.
Speaking at the briefing, spokesman of the group, Declan Ihekaire, said legitimate questions about the government contracts should be addressed through official documents and verifiable evidence rather than unsubstantiated claims.
It specifically disputed reports associating PINL and Okunbo with a purported N2.7 trillion annual pipeline surveillance arrangement, saying no publicly available documentary evidence had been produced to substantiate the figure.
According to the group, government agencies should publish relevant contract details, payment schedules, scope of work and performance records, where questions arise over public expenditure.
It said: “If the allegation is true, let the document be produced. If it is not true, those responsible for spreading it must have the courage and responsibility to correct the record.”
It said available information suggested that the figure being circulated should not be confused with the actual value of the contract attributed to PINL, which it put at about N150 billion.
It stressed, however, that contract values should not be equated with personal income, noting that such agreements typically cover personnel, equipment, logistics, security operations, technology, community engagement and other operational expenses.
The group urged the Federal Government and relevant agencies to assess pipeline surveillance contractors based on measurable performance, including reduction in vandalism, protection of crude oil production, community relations, technology deployment and value for money.
It stressed that PINL is responsible for surveillance operations along the Eastern Corridor of the Trans Niger Pipeline, covering parts of Rivers, Bayelsa, Abia and Imo states.
The coalition cited figures attributed to the company, indicating a significant reduction in pipeline infractions and vandalism attempts compared with previous years.
It also referred to reports by PINL that there had been no reported pipeline vandalism on sections of the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bayelsa and the wider corridor during a period under review, attributing the development to collaboration among the company, security agencies and host communities.
The group said such claims should be independently assessed by relevant government authorities.
It also highlighted the reported involvement of traditional rulers, youth leaders, women and other community stakeholders in pipeline surveillance activities.
According to the coalition, PINL’s operations cover about 215 communities along the Eastern Corridor, while the company has also reported engaging thousands of youths in surveillance and related activities.
The group said community participation was important to the protection of oil and gas infrastructure, particularly in areas characterised by difficult terrain and extensive waterways.
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The coalition also commended the reported deployment of technology in pipeline surveillance, including drones, surveillance stations, security vessels, mobile response units and round-the-clock monitoring.
It noted that Nigeria needs to strengthen the use of technology and intelligence alongside conventional security arrangements to protect critical oil and gas infrastructure.
It further urged the Federal Government to conduct independent assessments of all contractors before deciding whether existing arrangements should be retained, reviewed or expanded.
It said any decision on pipeline surveillance contracts should be based on competence, measurable results and value for money.
While acknowledging the right of individuals and groups to question the government’s expenditure, the coalition urged anyone with evidence of wrongdoing to submit such material to the appropriate government and anti-corruption agencies.
It also called for greater transparency from the government institutions to reduce speculations surrounding pipeline surveillance contracts.
The group urged the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to provide sufficient information on pipeline surveillance arrangements to promote transparency and reduce misinformation.
It also called for an independent assessment of all pipeline surveillance contractors based on vandalism reduction, protection of crude production, community relations, technology deployment and value for money.
The coalition said contractors that meet established performance benchmarks should not be disadvantaged by unverified allegations, while stressing that all operators should remain subject to the same standards and regulatory requirements.
It further called for adequate security measures for personnel involved in pipeline surveillance operations, given the sensitive nature of their assignments.
The group said the Niger Delta had endured years of challenges involving oil theft, pipeline vandalism, environmental concerns and youth unemployment, adding that the protection of critical infrastructure should remain a national priority.
The coalition concluded by urging stakeholders to focus on verifiable facts and measurable outcomes, rather than personalising disagreements over government contracts.
It said legitimate investigations should be encouraged, but should be conducted through lawful and transparent processes.
“Nigeria needs more protection of its pipelines, not more politics around pipeline protection,” the coalition said.
