NASS Panel Dismisses Petitions to Decentralise Pipeline Surveillance

The National Assembly’s joint petroleum committees have thrown out petitions calling for the decentralisation of pipeline surveillance contracts to oil-producing states. During a roundtable in Abuja, the panel adopted a motion by Henry Okojie, chairman of the House Petroleum Resources (Midstream) Committee. He argued that splitting the contracts could weaken coordination and accountability, stressing that “Nigeria’s economic security depends on disciplined execution.” Committee leaders, including Ikenga Ugochinyere and Agom Jarigbe, agreed there was no credible evidence to support the decentralisation bids. They noted that petitioners failed to honour multiple invitations to present their case. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere, highlighted the success of the current surveillance framework. He said it has cut crude theft, boosted daily output to 1.8 million barrels and employed thousands of Niger Delta youths. He called for stronger oversight and collective responsibility among government, host communities and security agencies.

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