Niger Delta Stakeholders Applaud Tinubu for Decentralizing Pipeline Surveillance Contracts
By NaijaEnquirer Staff
The Movement for the Sustainable Development of the Niger Delta (MSDND) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decision to decentralize oil and gas pipeline surveillance contracts, describing the move as people-oriented and beneficial to grassroots communities.
Support for Grassroots Development
In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Kelvin Orughoe, the group noted that President Tinubu has consistently advanced policies that directly impact citizens over the last two years. MSDND praised his commitment to promoting mutual national interest, transparency, and local development.
Welcoming the President back from vacation, MSDND reaffirmed the Niger Delta’s support for his leadership and emphasized that decentralizing pipeline surveillance contracts would bring opportunities closer to local stakeholders while addressing longstanding grievances in the region.
Call for Expedited Implementation
Orughoe urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to expedite the decentralization process in line with directives from the President, who also serves as Minister of Petroleum Resources. He stressed that delays could further expose the nation’s assets to risks.
“We declare our support for President Tinubu’s resilience and persistence in decentralizing the surveillance contracts to stakeholders across various states,” Orughoe said. “Some stakeholders, including thousands of innocent citizens, have suffered due to the improper monopoly and greed that previously dominated contract awards.”
Securing National Assets
The group highlighted that decentralization would empower state-level stakeholders to take ownership of security operations in their communities, thereby enhancing efficiency and reducing sabotage in Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure.
“Going forward, we look forward to an expedited announcement of the contracts so that stakeholders can commence work in securing our nation’s critical assets,” Orughoe added.
Regional Commitment to the President
MSDND reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu’s administration, describing the decentralization initiative as a bold step toward inclusivity and fairness in the oil-producing region. The group urged other Niger Delta stakeholders to align with the policy, ensuring peace, accountability, and improved security in the sector.
