•Philip Agbese
The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has cautioned against the increasing politicisation of pipeline surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta, warning that such moves could weaken national security and erode gains in safeguarding oil revenue.
Agbese issued the warning amid renewed agitation by some groups demanding the decentralisation of pipeline surveillance operations currently managed by private security firms, including Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, reports The Nation.
Speaking in Abuja today, the lawmaker acknowledged concerns over inclusion and equity in the region but maintained that pipeline protection remains a sensitive national responsibility that must not be subjected to political pressure or indiscriminate participation.
He emphasised that the surveillance of 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 decline in pipeline vandalism in recent months, attributing this to a more coordinated and centralised approach.
According to him, breaking the contract into multiple fragments across 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 presence of unvetted actors within pipeline surveillance operations could compromise intelligence, disrupt coordinated responses, and ultimately embolden oil thieves and saboteurs.
He added that national security considerations must take precedence over sectional demands, noting that the protection of oil infrastructure is directly tied 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 further cautioned against framing the debate around pipeline contracts as a struggle for entitlement, insisting that such narratives risk inflaming tensions in an already delicate region.
He noted that while stakeholder engagement is 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 also urged groups staging protests over the contracts to adopt a more constructive approach by engaging relevant government institutions through dialogue rather than public agitation that could heighten tensions.
He maintained that reforms, where necessary, should be driven by evidence and national interest, not by 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 sustained support for existing surveillance frameworks that have demonstrated capacity, while calling for continuous monitoring to ensure transparency and accountability.
He emphasised that national security operations must remain guided by professionalism and strategic coherence, rather than broad-based distribution that could compromise their 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.
