Itsekiri Coalition Back Tantita, PINL, Call for Centralized Pipeline Security, Oppose Decentralization

A coalition of Itsekiri community groups and oil-producing stakeholders has reaffirmed their support for a unified, centralized pipeline surveillance system, asserting it remains the most effective approach for safeguarding Nigeria’s critical oil infrastructure.

The coalition articulated their position during a Press Conference held on Wednesday in Ugbuwangue, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.

They strongly opposed recent suggestions to decentralize pipeline protection contracts across multiple communities, warning that such a move could complicate coordination efforts and heighten risks to vital assets.

Comrade Mone Oris, Chairman of the Itsekiri Liberation Group (ILG), who read a joint statement signed by various leaders, emphasizing that the framework established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021 offers a balanced structure that integrates professional surveillance with community participation—without compromising operational security.

Other signatories included Bobby Omadeli (National Coordinator, Itsekiri Grassroots Coalition), Itse Omajugho (Chairman, Host Communities, Itsekiri chapter), Ajemijeroma Mene-Ejegi (Delta State Peace Movement), Sam Oki Metsh (Chairman, Itsekiri Youth for Good Governance), Felix Amatoritsero (President, Warri Social), Isaac Eyengho (Iwere Voice), and Mrs. Noyor Juliet (Oil Producing Host Community Voice).

“The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 lays out a carefully balanced security framework for Nigeria’s oil infrastructure, anchored on three core pillars: commercial viability, host community engagement, and national security,” the statement declared.

It further explained that surveillance is recognized as a specialized security function that demands expertise, operational discipline, and a unified command structure—not a community benefit to be distributed among multiple groups.

While acknowledging the role of host communities through the Host Community Development Trust, the coalition emphasized that such participation should complement, not replace, professional security operations.

“Fragmenting surveillance responsibilities among various community groups would hinder coordination, weaken accountability, and increase vulnerabilities to attacks,” the statement warned.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s past experiences with pipeline security, the coalition noted that initial community-driven models faced limitations, leading to the adoption of more structured and accountable systems.

They stressed that community involvement remains essential but must be conducted within clear institutional frameworks.

“The PIA provides a definitive stance: community engagement must work hand-in-hand with professionally managed security systems,” the coalition affirmed.

The groups called on advocates of decentralization to reconsider their positions in the interest of national stability and ongoing oil production.

They also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for awarding pipeline surveillance contracts to indigenous firms such as Pipelines Infrastructure Nigeria Limited and Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited—an approach they described as strategic and inclusive.

“Our appeal is simple: decentralization of pipeline protection is not in our best interest. The proven centralized system has contributed significantly to boosting oil output over recent years,” Mone Oris stated.

Addressing newsmen, Itsekiri community leader Itse Omajugho, Chairman of the Host Community of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) – Itsekiri chapter, explained that community participation is already integrated within the current system.

“Contractors work directly with community leadership, ensuring active involvement. Decentralization isn’t the issue; involving communities in the process is. And, despite these changes, production continues to rise,” he said.