Agbese: Fragmenting pipeline surveillance contracts risks security lapses

DEPUTY spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Mr Philip Agbese, has cautioned that breaking pipeline surveillance contracts into multiple units could leave Nigeria’s oil infrastructure vulnerable to criminal infiltration.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, Agbese addressed growing calls from some groups pushing for the decentralisation of surveillance operations in the Niger Delta.

His comments followed a request on Wednesday by the Coalition of Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities (CNDEN), which urged the Senate to support full decentralisation of pipeline surveillance contracts across oil-producing states.

Agbese warned that politicising or fragmenting the current framework could weaken national security and erode recent progress recorded in oil output.

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According to him, pipeline protection is a critical national security function that depends on coordination, discipline, and trust, rather than political considerations.

He stressed that such responsibilities should not be treated as patronage, noting that they are essential to safeguarding the country’s economic backbone.

Agbese also cautioned against turning the issue into a tool for satisfying various interest groups, urging stakeholders to prioritise effectiveness over inclusion for its own sake.

The lawmaker noted that the existing structure has helped boost crude production and reduce incidents of pipeline vandalism in recent months, attributing these gains to a coordinated and centralised system.

He argued that assigning the responsibility to multiple actors could weaken oversight and introduce operational loopholes.

Agbese explained that increasing the number of participants in such a sensitive system could create gaps that may be exploited, potentially allowing compromised actors to infiltrate operations.

He further warned that involving unvetted parties could undermine intelligence gathering and embolden oil theft.

Highlighting the broader implications, Agbese said safeguarding oil infrastructure is directly tied to Nigeria’s fiscal stability, as disruptions would affect government revenue, public expenditure, and overall economic performance.

He also urged stakeholders not to frame the debate as a struggle for entitlement, emphasising the distinction between meaningful inclusion and operational fragmentation.

What matters most, he said, is maintaining a system that delivers results, protects infrastructure, and supports national revenue.

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Agbese called on protesting groups to channel their concerns through dialogue with government institutions instead of public agitation.

He added that at a time when the country is working to stabilise oil production and strengthen revenue, actions that could undermine progress should be avoided.

The lawmaker concluded by stressing that pipeline surveillance demands professionalism, trust, and a clear chain of command, noting that not all responsibilities can be widely distributed without consequences.