General News
Niger Delta groups urge unity to protect oil, gas infrastructure
The Niger Delta Youth Council Worldwide (NDYCW) and the Niger Delta Communities in Northern Nigeria have called on the people of the Niger Delta to unite in supporting legitimate efforts to protect critical oil and gas infrastructure in the region.
The organisations’ position was contained in a joint statement issued in Abuja on Friday and signed by Comrade Jator Abido, National Coordinator of NDYCW; Paramount Ruler (Sarkin Ruwa), Niger Delta Communities in Northern Nigeria; Comrade Kede Michael, Secretary-General of NDYCW; and Mr Akowien Joshua, Spokesperson of NDYCW.
The organisations cautioned against baseless hostility, unsubstantiated allegations and divisive campaigns capable of undermining peace, unity and development in the oil-producing region.
They also called for responsible public discourse, constructive engagement and stronger cooperation among Niger Delta stakeholders to safeguard the region’s economic interests and promote sustainable development.
They emphasised that although freedom of expression and legitimate criticism remained essential in a democratic society, allegations concerning pipeline surveillance operations, contractual arrangements, public expenditure and institutional conduct should be supported by verifiable facts and credible evidence.
According to the organisations, spreading unverified information, speculation and personal grievances could mislead the public, create unnecessary tension and weaken the collective efforts required to protect critical national infrastructure.
The NDYCW national coordinator, Abido, said the Niger Delta must not allow avoidable divisions, unverified accusations or personal differences to undermine the cooperation necessary to protect the region’s economic interests and maintain peace.
He stressed that pipeline surveillance and protection were crucial to Nigeria’s economic stability, crude oil production, national revenue generation and the livelihoods of communities across the oil-producing region.
“We call on the people of the Niger Delta to reject baseless hatred, unfounded allegations and divisive narratives that could undermine the peace and progress of our region.
“Where genuine concerns arise, they should be addressed through evidence, dialogue and the appropriate institutional channels.
“We must not allow differences of opinion to destroy the cooperation required to protect our collective interests,” Abido stated.
The NDYCW leadership and the Niger Delta Communities in Northern Nigeria also commended Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) for its reported collaboration with host communities and monthly stakeholder engagement meetings.
The organisations described regular stakeholder meetings as an important mechanism for building trust, resolving grievances, strengthening relationships and sustaining peaceful coexistence between pipeline surveillance operators and host communities.
They observed that consistent engagement provided opportunities for traditional rulers, youth representatives, women leaders, community stakeholders, security agencies and industry operators to discuss issues affecting pipeline security, environmental protection and community development.
Abido urged other International Oil Companies (IOCs), pipeline surveillance contractors and oil and gas operators to adopt similar engagement frameworks that promoted regular consultation, inclusive participation and timely responses to legitimate community concerns.
He noted that effective pipeline protection extended beyond physical surveillance and security operations, requiring mutual understanding, community cooperation, responsible leadership and respect for the interests of host communities.
The organisations also acknowledged the importance of collaboration among surveillance personnel, security agencies and residents in preventing pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft and other activities capable of disrupting production and causing environmental damage.
They maintained that PINL’s reported approach of regular stakeholder engagement offered a model worthy of consideration by other operators seeking to strengthen community relations and promote lasting peace.
The groups urged Niger Delta youths, traditional rulers, community leaders, women’s groups and civil society organisations to place the common interests of the region above personal disagreements, political differences and divisive sentiments.
They emphasised that collective responsibility and cooperation among stakeholders were necessary to address challenges confronting the region and ensure that its natural resources contributed meaningfully to national development.
The organisations reiterated that accountability and transparency should remain central to the operations of companies entrusted with protecting critical national infrastructure.
However, they stressed that legitimate scrutiny of corporate activities and contractual arrangements must be distinguished from allegations circulated without credible evidence, urging stakeholders to rely on facts when raising concerns.
The organisations called on PINL and other operators to sustain meaningful engagement with host communities, fulfil their contractual responsibilities, address legitimate grievances and ensure that community participation remained an essential component of pipeline security and protection.
They emphasised that peace and security must go hand in hand with environmental responsibility, youth empowerment, employment opportunities and tangible development for oil-producing communities.
According to the organisations, addressing the socioeconomic needs of host communities would strengthen public confidence, encourage cooperation and contribute to the long-term protection of oil and gas infrastructure.
Comrade Kede Michael, Secretary-General of NDYCW, reaffirmed the importance of collective responsibility and urged stakeholders to prioritise dialogue, verified information and peaceful dispute resolution.
Michael stressed that unity among the people of the Niger Delta remained essential to protecting the region’s interests, strengthening community relationships and sustaining development.
He called on community leaders, youths and other stakeholders to avoid actions and statements capable of creating unnecessary divisions, urging them to pursue peaceful and constructive approaches to resolving disagreements.
Similarly, Akowien Joshua, Spokesperson of NDYCW, urged media practitioners, community representatives and other stakeholders to exercise caution when publishing or circulating allegations concerning pipeline surveillance operations.
Joshua encouraged responsible reporting, thorough fact-checking and the use of appropriate institutional channels for raising concerns in the public interest.
He maintained that accurate information and balanced public communication were necessary to prevent misinformation, promote understanding and sustain confidence among stakeholders involved in pipeline security and community development.(NAN)