Coalition Defends PINL, Okunbo, Demands Evidence-Based Review of Pipeline Surveillance Contracts

 

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Good Governance (CCSOGG) has called for an evidence-based assessment of pipeline surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta, urging stakeholders to refrain from making unverified claims capable of undermining critical national security operations.

The coalition, at a press briefing in Lagos, also defended Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) and its Project Director, Osahon Okunbo, against allegations concerning the value and performance of the company's pipeline surveillance contract.

Speaking at the briefing, the spokesman of the group, Comrade Declan Ihekaire, said legitimate concerns over government contracts should be addressed through official documents and verifiable evidence rather than unsubstantiated allegations.

Ihekaire specifically challenged reports linking PINL and Okunbo to an alleged N2.7 trillion annual pipeline surveillance contract, saying no publicly available documentary evidence had been presented to substantiate the figure.

He urged government agencies to make relevant contract details, payment schedules, scope of work and performance records available whenever questions arise concerning public expenditure.

“If the allegation is true, let the document be produced. If it is not true, those responsible for spreading it must have the courage and responsibility to correct the record,” he said.

The coalition said available information indicated that the figure being circulated should not be confused with the actual value of the contract reportedly attributed to PINL, which it put at approximately N150 billion.

It, however, stressed that the value of a contract should not be interpreted as personal income, noting that pipeline surveillance agreements typically cover personnel, equipment, logistics, security operations, technology, community engagement and other operational costs.

The group urged the Federal Government and relevant agencies to assess pipeline surveillance contractors based on measurable performance indicators, including reduction in pipeline vandalism, protection of crude oil production, community relations, technology deployment and value for money.

According to the coalition, PINL is responsible for surveillance operations along the Eastern Corridor of the Trans Niger Pipeline, covering parts of Rivers, Bayelsa, Abia and Imo states.

The group cited figures attributed to the company indicating a significant reduction in pipeline infractions and vandalism attempts compared with previous years.

It also referred to reports by PINL that there had been no reported pipeline vandalism on sections of the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bayelsa and the wider corridor during a period under review, attributing the development to collaboration between the company, security agencies and host communities.

The coalition, however, said such claims should be independently verified by the appropriate government authorities.

It also highlighted the reported involvement of traditional rulers, youth leaders, women and other community stakeholders in pipeline surveillance activities.

The group said PINL's operations cover about 215 communities along the Eastern Corridor, while the company has reportedly engaged thousands of youths in surveillance and related activities.

It maintained that community participation remained crucial to the protection of oil and gas infrastructure, particularly in areas characterised by difficult terrain and extensive waterways.

The coalition further commended the reported deployment of technology in pipeline surveillance, including drones, surveillance stations, security vessels, mobile response units and round-the-clock monitoring.

It said Nigeria needed to strengthen the use of technology and intelligence alongside conventional security arrangements to safeguard critical oil and gas infrastructure.

The group urged the Federal Government to conduct independent assessments of all pipeline surveillance contractors before deciding whether existing arrangements should be retained, reviewed or expanded.

It said decisions on pipeline surveillance contracts should be based on competence, measurable results and value for money, rather than unverified allegations.

While acknowledging the right of individuals and organisations to question government expenditure, the coalition urged anyone with evidence of wrongdoing to submit such material to the appropriate government and anti-corruption agencies.

It also called for greater transparency from government institutions to reduce speculation surrounding pipeline surveillance contracts.

The coalition urged the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to provide sufficient information on pipeline surveillance arrangements in order to promote transparency and curb misinformation.

It further called for an independent assessment of all contractors based on vandalism reduction, protection of crude oil production, community relations, technology deployment and value for money.

According to the group, contractors that meet established performance benchmarks should not be disadvantaged by unverified allegations, while all operators must remain subject to the same standards and regulatory requirements.

The coalition also called for adequate security measures for personnel involved in pipeline surveillance operations, given the sensitive nature of their assignments.

It noted that the Niger Delta had endured years of challenges involving oil theft, pipeline vandalism, environmental concerns and youth unemployment, stressing that the protection of critical infrastructure should remain a national priority.

The coalition urged stakeholders to focus on verifiable facts and measurable outcomes rather than personalising disagreements over government contracts.

It said legitimate investigations should be encouraged but must be conducted through lawful, transparent and evidence-based processes.

“Nigeria needs more protection of its pipelines, not more politics around pipeline protection,” the coalition said.