The United Niger Delta Congress (UNDC) has urged the Federal Government to decentralise pipeline surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta.

This is to ensure equity, transparency and compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act.

The group made the call at a news conference on Friday in Abuja, expressing concern over what it described as concentration of surveillance contracts among a few operators.

The National President of UNDC, Julius Malam-Obi, alleged that the current arrangement contradicts provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act recognising host communities’ role in protecting petroleum infrastructure.

Mr Malam-Obi stated that pipeline surveillance contracts were introduced to curb crude oil theft and protect the nation’s vital oil assets.

He said Nigeria’s oil production remained between 1.4 million and 1.5 million barrels daily, below the country’s potential output of over two million barrels.

“Such figures raise concerns about transparency and effectiveness within the current pipeline surveillance system,” he noted.

According to him, the Niger Delta hosts several oil-producing ethnic nationalities including Isoko, Ijaw, Urhobo, Itsekiri, Ndokwa, Ogoni, Ibibio and Efik.

“All these communities should participate in protecting oil facilities located within their respective areas,” Mr Malam-Obi stated.

He added that decentralising contracts would strengthen community ownership, improve intelligence gathering, create jobs and reduce tensions across the region.

The group’s convener, Fejiro Oliver, also called for stronger inclusion of women in pipeline protection activities.

“Women in oil-producing communities have endured enormous environmental and economic hardship due to decades of oil exploitation. Yet they remain largely excluded from opportunities connected with protecting their land’s resources.

“When surveillance contracts are decentralised, at least 35 per cent of opportunities should be allocated to women through cooperatives and community-based enterprises. Empowering women strengthens families, stabilises communities and promotes long-term peace,” Mr Oliver stated.

Mr Oliver urged the Federal Government to conduct a comprehensive audit of pipeline surveillance contracts and publish beneficiaries and financial details.

He also called on lawmakers to conduct a transparent investigation into the pipeline surveillance regime.

“Equitable participation of host communities will promote peace, stability and sustainable development across the Niger Delta,” Mr Oliver said.

(NAN)