The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has cautioned against the growing politicisation of pipeline surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta, warning that such actions could undermine national security and reverse gains in protecting oil revenue.
Agbese issued the warning amid renewed agitation by some groups calling for the decentralisation of pipeline surveillance operations currently handled by private security firms, including Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, the lawmaker acknowledged concerns about inclusion and equity in the region but stressed that pipeline protection is a sensitive national responsibility that must not be subjected to political pressure or indiscriminate participation.
He emphasised that safeguarding critical oil infrastructure requires specialised expertise, coordination, trust, and strict operational discipline, noting that it is not an open exercise for all interested parties.
“Pipeline surveillance is not a contract that can be shared like political patronage. It is a strategic national security function aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s economic lifeline. We must be careful not to reduce it to a tool for appeasing every interest group,” Agbese warned.
The Benue lawmaker argued that the current structure has contributed to measurable improvements in crude oil production and a reduction in pipeline vandalism in recent months, attributing the progress to a more coordinated and centralised approach.
According to him, fragmenting the contract across multiple states or groups could create operational confusion, weaken accountability, and expose the system to infiltration by criminal elements.
“When you proliferate such a sensitive responsibility among too many actors, you inevitably create gaps. Those gaps can be exploited. You risk introducing moles into a system that requires the highest level of confidentiality and integrity,” he said.
Agbese warned that the involvement of unvetted actors in pipeline surveillance operations could compromise intelligence, disrupt coordinated responses, and embolden oil thieves and saboteurs.
He stressed that national security considerations must take precedence over sectional demands, noting that the protection of oil infrastructure is directly linked to Nigeria’s fiscal stability.
“Our oil assets are not just regional resources; they are national assets. Any disruption to their protection affects government revenue, public spending, and the broader economy,” Agbese said.
The lawmaker also cautioned against framing the issue of pipeline contracts as a struggle for entitlement, warning that such narratives could inflame tensions in the already sensitive Niger Delta region.
He maintained that while stakeholder engagement remains important, it must not come at the expense of efficiency and security outcomes.
“There is a difference between inclusion and fragmentation. We must not confuse the two. What we need is a system that works—one that delivers results, protects infrastructure, and supports national revenue generation,” he added.
Agbese urged groups protesting over the contracts to adopt a more constructive approach by engaging relevant government institutions through dialogue rather than public agitation that could escalate tensions.
He added that any reforms should be guided by evidence and national interest, not pressure or competing claims for access.
“At a time when the country is working hard to stabilise oil production and improve revenue, we must avoid actions that could derail progress. This is not the moment for division or politicisation,” he said.
The deputy spokesperson reiterated the need for continued support for existing surveillance frameworks that have demonstrated capacity, while calling for ongoing monitoring to ensure transparency and accountability.
He emphasised that national security operations must remain driven by professionalism and strategic coherence, rather than broad-based distribution that could compromise effectiveness.
“Not every responsibility can be democratised. Some require precision, trust, and a clear chain of command. Pipeline surveillance is one of them,” Agbese added.
