Coalition Advocates for Decentralization of Pipeline Monitoring in the Niger Delta
Traditional rulers and stakeholders from Imo State, particularly those from the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Council, have united in their support for the oil pipeline monitoring team led by Owejidei Thomas Ekpempolo, commonly known as Tompolo. They issued a vote of confidence for his successful efforts to combat illegal oil bunkering in the region.
Mr. Andrew Bokaw, the National Secretary of the First Phase Presidential Amnesty Program, highlighted the positive impact of Tompolo’s team, noting a significant decline in both oil pipeline vandalism and fatalities linked to such activities. “At one point, the region experienced a tragic loss of 300 lives in a single day due to illegal bunkering, but now we have seen zero incidents reported in Imo State,” he remarked.
Despite these assertions, the Rivers State Concerned Youths Federation has expressed skepticism regarding the stance of Imo State leadership, urging the Federal Government to decentralize pipeline security contracts in the Niger Delta. In a statement issued on Sunday, Charles Mulford, representing the Coalition, called on President Bola Tinubu to take necessary measures for establishing lasting peace and stability in the region through the redistribution of surveillance contracts.
Andrew Bokaw responded to critics of decentralized monitoring efforts, particularly those from the Ijaw community, asserting the unique needs and rights of the Imo State populace. “We are not Ijaw; we own the oil facilities here, and our focus is on our regional context,” he emphasized. He further clarified that decentralization involves local contractors actively engaged in securing oil pipelines within their communities, thereby reinforcing local ownership and accountability.
Eze Lucky Remigius Okoro, a traditional leader from the Obiakupu community in Ohaji/Egbema, echoed Bokaw’s sentiments, praising Tompolo for his role in facilitating decentralized monitoring of oil infrastructure with local firms. “We are proud to be Imo people; the oil facilities are ours, and we fully support what Tantita is doing,” he stated.
The community’s backing for Tompolo was highlighted by Chief Tony O’Hamara, who reaffirmed a unanimous vote of confidence in Tantita Energy International Limited, commending Tompolo for his dedication to the safety and welfare of local populations. “He stood by us during our darkest days, and we firmly support him,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Concerned Youths Federation applauded President Tinubu for his ongoing development initiatives in the region that aim to enhance the welfare of oil-producing communities. They highlighted the necessity of decentralizing pipeline security contracts as a means of creating employment opportunities for the region’s youth, who constitute a significant portion of the population.
The coalition conveyed that equitably distributing contracts is crucial for ensuring community involvement in security efforts, which can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility. They emphasized that engaging local youth in pipeline security could help mitigate crime and social issues prevalent in the area.
In addition, the coalition urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to clarify and reorganize existing contracts for pipeline and wellhead monitoring. They assert that this demand for decentralization is both timely and essential for promoting inclusiveness, enhancing security, and solidifying cooperation across the region. As advocates for peace and development in the Niger Delta, they reaffirm their commitment to policies that empower local youth and protect critical national infrastructure.
