10, April 2026
Concerns over pipeline surveillance in Rivers State are reaching a boiling point with youth groups claiming they’re being deliberately excluded from crucial discussions at the National Assembly.
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP), Ogoni Host Communities Youth Associations, and other groups staged a peaceful protest in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, marching through communities with placards to express their deep dissatisfaction.
They’re upset about being left out of a National Assembly roundtable on pipeline surveillance and crude oil theft, despite their region being the epicenter of Nigeria’s oil production.
Leading the protest, IYC President Alaye Theophilus slammed the National Assembly’s claims of inviting them to the roundtable, stating, “We were not invited to appear before the National Assembly to defend our petition, despite claims by the committees.”
Theophilus demanded the Federal Government decentralize pipeline surveillance contracts, allowing each state to manage its own, citing “equity and fairness.”
He called on the Presidency and Office of the National Security Adviser to intervene, emphasizing urgency.
NYCOP President Marcus Nwibani echoed Theophilus’ sentiments, saying the agitation stems from a need for inclusion and recognition of host communities.
“We are not here for publicity; we are here because the Niger Delta is critical to this country,” Nwibani stressed. “What belongs to the people must be given to the people.”
He asserted Ogoni people have capable hands to manage resources, and inclusion would promote peace and accountability.
Ogoni Youths Federation President,
Emmanuel Bie chronicled Ogoni’s long history of oil exploration (since 1958) with locals sidelined.
“Since oil was discovered in Ogoni in 1958, our people have remained spectators in decisions affecting our resources,” Bie said, pointing out Ogoni has over 40 oil wells with zero indigenous contractors securing facilities.
He demanded reforms, saying decentralizing pipeline surveillance would improve monitoring and curb crude oil theft.
The youth leaders insist involving host communities would boost inclusion, security, and peace in the Niger Delta.
However, traditional rulers in Rivers State contradict them, backing the current pipeline surveillance structure handled by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, credited with improving security. The monarchs urge the Federal Government to resist decentralization calls amid growing debate over oil asset protection.
