The coalition said giving militants billions of naira to protect oil pipelines is self-deceit, adding that it may fuel further proliferation of illicit arms in the Niger Delta.
The Coalition of Civil Society Groups in Nigeria has stated that entrusting pipeline security to those with militant backgrounds undermines Nigeria's sovereignty and international reputation, particularly within OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries).
The groups called on President Bola Tinubu's administration to cease the award of surveillance contracts to companies led by individuals of questionable character. They identified Tantita Ltd owned by Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo, a former militant as one of such companies.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by Taiwo Adeleye, Director of Publicity and Fred Ojinika, Niger-Delta Coordinator in Lagos on Monday, noting that the Nigerian state appears to be yielding to the demands of militants, rather than upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
The coalition said giving militants billions of naira to protect oil pipelines is self-deceit, adding that it may fuel further proliferation of illicit arms in the Niger Delta.
According to the coalition, it could erode public confidence and the authority of the state.
It said, "We are however concerned about the future of oil, livelihood and human security in Nigeria. What will Nigeria look like in the next 15 or 20 years? What immediate, short term and long-term and strategy do we have for oil security and National Security?
“Will Nigerian oil installations continue to be protected by non-state actors? What is the mission of the stake actors currently charged with the responsibility of protecting oil assets?
"Recent developments highlight a disturbing trend: surveillance contracts are being awarded to individuals and entities with a history of militant activity against the Nigerian state. Such decisions not only compromise national security but also risk empowering these groups to further arm themselves, thereby perpetuating violence and instability in a region already beset by challenges.
"The Coalition insists that entrusting pipeline security to those with militant backgrounds undermines Nigeria's sovereignty and international reputation, particularly within OPEC.
"President Tinubu is urged to intervene and direct the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to cease the award of surveillance contracts to companies led by individuals of questionable character, such as Tantita Ltd and Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo).
"The Coalition questions the interests that NNPC top management may have in these entities and their propensity to assign national asset protection to known militants.
"By continuing this practice, the Nigerian state appears to be yielding to the demands of militants, rather than upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of its citizens. This capitulation threatens to erode public confidence and the authority of the state.
"Arms proliferation in Nigeria is a threat to regional stability. Armed groups taking the role of pipeline contractors is a time bomb. It will push Nigeria to the brink with the passage of time. What we see today undermines international laws and conventions of the United Nations (UN).
"The Arms Trade Treaty is the first legally binding instrument ever negotiated in the United Nations to establish common standards for the international transfer of conventional weapons.
"The proliferation of arms is against International Laws and conventions of which Nigeria is a signatory.
"The handing over of pipelines to armed groups will further undermine these International Conventions which include but not limited to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, the Biological and Chemical Weapons Convention, the Anti-Personnel Landmine Convention, the Convention on Cluster Munitions, the Convention on Certain Arms Proliferation.
"The Coalition calls upon President Tinubu to take the following steps immediately to save Nigeria from a major calamity that may soon befall oil production in Nigeria:
"Review and revoke pipeline surveillance contracts currently held by people associated with violence in the past and even terrorism including former armed militants to prevent the potential misuse of such funds for arms proliferation.
"The United Nations recently listed Nigeria as home to 75 percent of over 500 million illegal weapons in Nigeria. This is a dangerous spell. President Tinubu should Investigate the proliferation of arms in the Niger Delta, including the role of armed militants in the importation of illegal weapons.
"This is a major issue that must be addressed if Nigeria is to be taken seriously by the international community. Professional groups can be given the role of oil pipeline protection but not leaders of armed groups who have taken active roles in bombing of oil pipelines, kidnapping and forms of violence in Nigeria.
"Ensure that the Nigerian Military and pipeline protection companies operate with the utmost professionalism and are not complicit in arms trafficking.”