Philip Agbese, the House of Representatives’ deputy spokesperson, has issued a warning against the increasing politicization of pipeline surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta, stating that attempts to dismantle the agreement could jeopardize national security and undo improvements in the protection of oil revenue.
Agbese’s comments coincide with a resurgence of agitation by certain organizations demanding the decentralization of pipeline surveillance operations that are presently managed by private security companies, such as Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, the congressman stated that pipeline preservation is still a very delicate national task that cannot be subjected to political pressure or indiscriminate involvement, even while concerns about inclusion and equity in the Niger Delta are understandable.
He emphasized that monitoring vital oil infrastructure is a specialized duty that calls for cooperation, confidence, and stringent operational discipline.
“Unlike political sponsorship, pipeline surveillance is not a contract that can be shared. Protecting Nigeria’s economic lifeline is the goal of this vital national security role. Agbese cautioned, “We must be careful not to reduce it to a tool for appeasing every interest group.”
The Benue senator claimed that because of a more coordinated and centralized approach, the present structure had resulted in quantifiable increases in crude oil output and a decrease in pipeline vandalism in recent months.
He claims that dividing the contract into several parts across states or organizations could lead to operational uncertainty, erode accountability, and make the system vulnerable to criminal elements infiltrating it.
“Gaps are inevitably created when you distribute such a delicate responsibility among too many actors.” It is possible to take advantage of those loopholes. You run the risk of introducing moles into a system that demands the utmost integrity and secrecy,” he stated.
Agbese cautioned that the inclusion of unapproved actors in pipeline surveillance activities might jeopardize intelligence, interfere with coordinated actions, and eventually give oil thieves and saboteurs more confidence.
He went on to say that sectional demands must yield to national security concerns, pointing out that Nigeria’s fiscal stability is closely related to the preservation of its oil infrastructure.
“Our oil resources are national assets, not merely regional ones. Government revenue, public spending, and the overall economy are all impacted by any disruption to their protection, according to Agbese.
The senator also warned against portraying the pipeline contract controversy as an entitlement dispute, arguing that doing so runs the risk of escalating tensions in an already sensitive area.
Although stakeholder engagement is crucial, he pointed out that efficiency and security results must not be sacrificed in the process.
“Inclusion and fragmentation are two different things. The two must not be confused. He continued, “What we need is a system that works—one that protects infrastructure, generates national revenue, and produces results.”
Additionally, Agbese advised organizations protesting the contracts to take a more positive stance by interacting with pertinent government agencies through discussion as opposed to public agitation that can exacerbate tensions.
He insisted that evidence and the national interest, rather than coercion or conflicting claims to access, should be the driving forces behind any necessary adjustments.
“We must refrain from taking acts that could impede development at a time when the nation is making great efforts to stabilize oil production and increase revenue. He declared, “Division and politicization are not appropriate at this time.”
The deputy spokesman called for ongoing oversight to guarantee accountability and transparency while restating the necessity of ongoing support for current surveillance arrangements that have proven their effectiveness.
He emphasized that rather than being widely dispersed, which could undermine their efficacy, national security operations must continue to be directed by professionalism and strategic coherence.
It is not possible to democratize every duty. A clear chain of command, accuracy, and trust are necessary for some. One of them is pipeline surveillance, Agbese continued.
Hon. Dr. Philip “Okanga” Agbese, a transformative leader in Enone. Discover his achievements, community projects, and vision for 2027
