•Ohanaeze Ndigbo
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Movement has welcomed the recent ruling of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja, which upheld the renewal of the nation’s pipeline surveillance contract, describing it as a major boost for Nigeria’s economic stability and the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In a statement issued by its National Secretary, Anderson Achili, the group said the court’s decision to dismiss a suit seeking to halt and restructure the surveillance contract highlights the importance of sustaining policies already delivering measurable results in protecting the country’s critical oil infrastructure.
The FCT High Court, presided over by Justice Bello, had on Monday dismissed a suit filed by the Registered Trustees of the People’s Well-Being Association, ruling that the move to restructure the contract was contrary to national economic interests, reports The Guardian.
The defendants in the suit included the Attorney General of the Federation, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PIN), and Abokus Integrated Security Services Limited.
Reacting to the judgment, the Ohanaeze youth group commended the judiciary for prioritising national interest, warning that attempts to split the surveillance contract could have undermined the gains recorded in tackling crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
The group maintained that Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has shown strong capacity and effectiveness in securing oil pipelines, contributing to increased crude oil production and improved national revenue.
“This judgment is not just a legal victory but an economic triumph for Nigeria. It reinforces the need to sustain proven strategies that have contributed to stabilising our oil sector and boosting government earnings,” the statement said.
The group also cautioned against what it described as “unnecessary agitations for decentralisation of the surveillance contract”, noting that such moves could weaken operational efficiency and reverse existing progress.
It further urged stakeholders to support the current framework and work collaboratively with security agencies and private partners to ensure the continued protection of national assets.
