The United Niger Delta Congress has criticised the National Assembly’s recent vote of confidence in private firms handling pipeline security, describing the move as unconstitutional and capable of heightening tensions in the oil-rich region.
The reaction follows a decision by joint committees of the National Assembly on petroleum resources, which on April 8 dismissed petitions calling for the decentralisation of pipeline surveillance contracts among oil-producing states.
The lawmakers also passed a vote of confidence in key stakeholders, including Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, as well as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and security agencies, citing improved oil production.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, UNDC National President, Julius Mallam-Obi, argued that the legislature exceeded its constitutional role by endorsing what he described as a private commercial arrangement.
According to him, the National Assembly is constitutionally empowered to make laws and provide oversight, not to legitimise or approve specific contracts. He maintained that such actions fall strictly within the responsibilities of the executive arm of government.
Mallam-Obi further contended that the endorsement contradicts provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, which recognises host communities as key stakeholders in the management and protection of oil and gas infrastructure within their territories.
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He warned that the current pipeline surveillance structure risks alienating local communities, alleging that it sidelines indigenous participation in favour of external interests.
Describing the development as “a grave overreach,” the UNDC leader said the arrangement could fuel discontent across the Niger Delta, stressing that excluding local populations from economic opportunities tied to resources in their domains is both unjust and provocative.
He added that every ethnic group in the region possesses capable individuals who should be actively involved in securing oil infrastructure within their communities, cautioning that failure to ensure inclusive participation could trigger avoidable conflict.