A coalition of concerned youth bodies in Rivers State has urged the federal government to decentralise pipeline surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta region.
In a statement signed by Mr Charles Malford in Port Harcourt, the coalition called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive steps toward achieving lasting peace and stability by restructuring the current security arrangement.
The group commended Tinubu for ongoing developmental efforts in the region and his commitment to improving the welfare of oil-producing communities.
However, it stressed that decentralising pipeline surveillance contracts is crucial for job creation, particularly for youths who make up a large portion of the population.
“Concentration of contracts in the hands of a single company is neither equitable nor sustainable. Local communities should be directly involved in securing infrastructure to promote ownership and accountability,” the statement said.
The coalition added that engaging local youths would reduce crime, drug abuse, and other social challenges, while also improving the protection of critical infrastructure through grassroots participation.
It also urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to unbundle existing pipeline and wellhead surveillance contracts to ensure clarity in roles and responsibilities.
The National President of the Rivers Youths Federation, Patrick Saviour, said it was unfair to award such contracts to outsiders when locals have the capacity to handle them.
Similarly, youth leader Benson Ati emphasised that localising the contracts would enhance effectiveness and national security.