The Niger-Delta Ex-Agitators Movement for Justice and Freedom has urgently petitioned President Bola Tinubu, demanding a comprehensive probe into the supervisory contract for securing oil assets in the Niger Delta region. The group alleges gross failures in the contract’s execution, accusing it of enabling rampant oil theft and vandalism that threaten national revenue and local livelihoods.
In a strongly worded petition dated October 24, 2025, the ex-agitators described the contract’s performance as “an affront to national economic security, public trust, and the wellbeing of host communities.” They called for immediate federal intervention to review the agreement and potentially terminate it, citing persistent sabotage of petroleum infrastructure despite the contract’s mandate to oversee security outfits, coordinate with agencies, and engage local stakeholders.
The petition highlights alarming lapses, supported by field reports, community testimonies, and media coverage. It references Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) data from June 2025, which documented 223 new illegal pipeline connections and the dismantling of 78 illicit refineries, resulting in daily losses of over 400,000 barrels of crude. “This continued theft and sabotage have led to production losses amounting to millions of barrels annually, robbing the Federal Government and citizens of vital revenue,” the group stated. They also decried environmental devastation, including spills that have ruined farmlands and fishing grounds, exacerbating poverty in oil-producing communities across Delta, Rivers, and Bayelsa states.
The contract, aimed at supervising all oil security operations to detect and deter theft while incorporating host communities’ knowledge of local terrains, has instead coincided with escalating incidents, according to the petitioners. “The failure to meet these core obligations undermines the fragile peace achieved through the amnesty program and risks reigniting unrest in the region,” they warned, urging Tinubu to act swiftly to restore accountability.
This development comes amid broader scrutiny of oil sector governance in the Niger Delta, where the region supplies about 80% of Nigeria’s crude exports. The ex-agitators’ plea aligns with ongoing calls for transparency in resource management, echoing recent NDDC initiatives to bolster security through projects like the new naval base in Bayelsa. On X, reactions to the petition were swift, with users like @DailyPostNGR amplifying the story and sparking discussions on economic sabotage.
The group has copied the petition to key stakeholders, including the NNPC and security agencies, pressing for a high-level panel to investigate and recommend reforms. As the federal government pushes reforms under the “Renewed Hope” agenda, this petition underscores the urgent need to address root causes of militancy and theft to safeguard the Niger Delta’s economic lifeline.
For Niger Delta residents, a thorough probe could mean not just recovered revenues but also stronger community protections against pollution and instability. What steps should Tinubu take next? Share your thoughts at nigerdeltaherald.com.
