PWA Threatens Court Action Over Alleged Monopoly in Pipeline Surveillance Contract

The Peoples Wellbeing Association (PWA) has threatened to approach the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge the planned renewal of the pipeline surveillance contract, citing concerns over alleged monopolisation.

The group is also calling for the contract to be distributed among multiple stakeholders, arguing that such an approach would promote efficiency, transparency, inclusiveness, and stability across the Niger Delta region.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the Head of the PWA Legal Unit, Comrade Aliyu Sadiq.

Sadiq explained that the proposed legal action is a last resort aimed at preserving peace in the Niger Delta, warning that attempts to concentrate the contract in the hands of a few individuals could heighten tensions in the region.

He said the exclusion of key stakeholders contradicts the inclusive principles of the Niger Delta amnesty programme, stressing that the benefits of the region’s long-standing struggles should not be restricted to a select group.

“Tension is rising in the region due to the exclusion of key stakeholders. No single individual should be entrusted with such a sensitive national responsibility, especially where there are concerns about capacity,” he stated.

Sadiq further argued that involving stakeholders from different states would enhance the protection of oil and gas infrastructure, noting that local actors are better positioned to monitor assets within their jurisdictions.

“Stakeholders across various states possess the local knowledge needed to safeguard critical infrastructure within their areas. Concentrating such responsibility in one entity exposes the nation to avoidable risks,” he added.

According to him, the association’s court action will seek an injunction to halt any renewal of the contract until broader stakeholder inclusion is ensured.

While reiterating the group’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Sadiq commended ongoing reforms within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), describing them as positive steps toward repositioning the sector.

He also praised the leadership of the NNPC Group Managing Director, Engr. Bayo Ojulari, describing both him and the President as visionary leaders driving reforms that are enhancing Nigeria’s global economic standing.

Sadiq concluded by urging continuity in leadership, saying the re-election of President Tinubu would help sustain reforms and further strengthen economic development.