Pipeline Safety: ‘Sabotage on the rise’ – Niger Delta leaders beg govt for security

Leaders of the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Forum, NDENLF, have urged the federal government, the National Assembly, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, to provide all necessary support to local security firms safeguarding oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta.

They assert that this support is essential to maintain the progress in Barrels Per Day, BPD, which has risen to 1.8 million BPD.

The Chairman of NDENLF, Jonathan Lokpobiri, made this appeal while presenting the resolutions from the NDENLF summit held on May 22, 2026, in Port Harcourt, during a meeting in Abuja on Monday.

He called on those in power to take decisive actions, stating, “The leaders of our nation must take serious action on these demands we have articulated based on the communiqué we reached.

“What were the issues we raised? In the Niger Delta, development remains a distant goal. Companies are engaged in health and security efforts, contributing to the protection of the region.

“Sabotage continues to escalate. Our message is unequivocal: the leadership of the National Assembly, the National Security Advisor, and the NNPCL, which oversees oil and gas operations in the Niger Delta, must support and facilitate those who are already successfully performing these roles in our area. This will enable the Niger Delta environment to continue its recovery.

Some of the demands outlined in the communiqué include: “enhanced collaboration, communication, and stakeholder engagement to collectively promote youth empowerment, local involvement, and sustainable development within the oil and gas sector.

“More inclusive engagement strategies are needed to ensure that the youth of the region are properly informed, consulted, and integrated into programs and opportunities aimed at advancing the Niger Delta.”

The Forum praised the dedication and political resolve exhibited by President Bola Tinubu in promoting peace, stability, and development in the Niger Delta region, which has endured environmental degradation, neglect, poverty, and marginalisation for decades, despite its significant contributions to the Nigerian economy.

Nevertheless, the Forum emphasised that the magnitude of infrastructural deficits and developmental obstacles confronting the region necessitates more intentional, strategic, and sustained investments from the Federal Government and pertinent development agencies.

The Secretary of NDENLF, Eniwake Orogun, remarked, “Over 2,000 youths from the Niger Delta convened for the primary event of the Niger Delta Ethnic Nationality Youth Leaders Forum summits focused on energy, security, and peace in the region.

“Among the key takeaways from that summit was our appreciation for the modest peace we are currently experiencing in the Niger Delta, especially regarding oil and gas infrastructure.”