Stakeholders from the Niger Delta region have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his resilience and persistence in pushing for the decentralisation of pipeline surveillance contracts, describing the move as a strategic step towards inclusivity and enhanced security of the nation’s oil assets.
The commendation came from the Movement for the Sustainable Development of the Niger Delta (MSDND), which also welcomed the President back from his working vacation in France. The group noted that his visit and engagement with French President Emmanuel Macron underscored Nigeria’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations for socio-economic development.
In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Kelvin Orughoe, the MSDND said that despite the need for rest, President Tinubu remained dedicated to promoting policies that bring development closer to Nigerians, particularly at the grassroots.
The Niger Delta stakeholders reaffirmed their support for the President, stressing that the decentralisation of pipeline surveillance contracts would allow stakeholders in various states of the region to take responsibility for securing oil and gas infrastructure within their domains.
According to the group, the expedited implementation of the decentralisation policy would strengthen stakeholders’ confidence in the administration and curb the monopoly and greed that have previously characterized contract awards in the region.
“Some stakeholders, including thousands of innocent citizens from the Niger Delta, have been victimised by the system due to improper monopoly and greed in the award of pipeline surveillance contracts,” the statement read.
The group urged President Tinubu, in his capacity as President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and substantive Minister of Petroleum Resources, to direct the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and other relevant authorities to immediately announce and implement the decentralisation policy.
“Going forward, we are looking for an expedited announcement of the surveillance contracts to enable stakeholders to commence work in securing our nation’s assets in their respective states,” the group added.
The MSDND further assured
