The Northern Emancipation Network has called on the federal government to split the pipeline surveillance contract in the oil-rich region.
The group in a statement by its Chairman, Suleiman Abbah, pledged its full support should the federal government decide to split the contract.
On the importance of splitting the contract, the group noted that it would ensure a more efficient and effective surveillance system, and would reduce the risk of sabotage and theft.
They added that: “Splitting the contract allows for multiple security agencies to be involved, increasing the overall surveillance capacity. This approach ensures a more robust and comprehensive security system, minimizing the risk of attacks and theft.
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“The Northern region, like any other part of the country, deserves a secure environment to foster economic growth and protect the livelihoods of its people.
“By splitting the contract, the government promotes transparency and accountability in the bidding process. This approach allows for fair competition among security agencies, ensuring that the most qualified and capable organizations are entrusted with the responsibility of pipeline surveillance. This fosters a sense of trust and confidence in the government’s decision-making process.
This appeal comes weeks after a group of ex-militants in Ondo State, called on President Bola Tinubu to revisit the pipeline surveillance project and decentralise the awarding of the contract.
The group, under the auspices of the Ondo State Niger Delta Coastal Vanguard, said decentralisation of the contract would enhance the security of pipelines on waterways.
In a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the group, Chief Lucky Ajiroba titled, ‘Call on His Excellency President Bola Tinubu to re-visit the pipeline surveillance contract. ‘The group faulted the last administration for awarding the contract to only one company, saying the purpose for which the contract was awarded was not achieved as the security situation of the pipelines is getting worse.
“The failure of this was ascribed to the centralization of the contract. In view of this perennial failure, there has been avalanche of agitation from every quarter that the pipeline security contract should be decentralized for the purpose of achieving the desired goal of the Federal Government which is in the best interest of the entire citizens.”
The group, which commended the President for its efforts in repositioning the country’s economy, said that each ex-militant leader in the Niger Delta Region be identified, and the pipeline security contract be split among them.
