A human rights organization, the Civil Society Organization Network of Nigeria (CSONN), intensified the debate over pipeline surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta during a protest at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) headquarters in Abuja.
Led by Collins Eshiofeh, chairman of CSONN, over 200 protesters called for a review of pipeline surveillance contracts, expressing concern over the Federal Government’s decision to award contracts to individuals and entities with a history of militant activity against the Nigerian state.
Eshiofeh emphasized the potential risks of empowering such groups, citing recent incidents such as the attack in Okauma village that resulted in the loss of 17 soldiers. He urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and direct NNPC to cease awarding contracts to companies led by individuals of questionable character, including Tantita Ltd and Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo).
The group urged authorities to investigate arms proliferation in the Niger Delta and the role of armed militants in illegal weapons importation. They also called on the Nigerian Military and pipeline protection companies to maintain professionalism and dissociate from arms trafficking.
Asserting their role as societal watchdogs, CSONN vowed to persist until these critical issues are addressed, emphasizing the need for decisive government action to safeguard national assets and restore confidence in security measures.
