05/09/2026
IYC URGES TINUBU TO DISREGARD CALL FOR REVOCATION OF PIPELINE SURVEILLANCE CONTRACT
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to disregard a recent appeal seeking the revocation of the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Seven Oceans Oil and Gas Ltd, Kojo Sam Logistics Limited and Labrador Security Outfit.
The position was made known in a statement signed by the National Spokesman of the IYC, Comr. Victor Ibaningo, on behalf of the 10th National Executive Council led by the President, Comr. Dr. Doubra Collins Okotete.
The IYC was reacting to an open letter published in the Vanguard Newspaper on Thursday, September 3, 2026, by one Mr. Kelly Nengimote, in which he called for the immediate cancellation of the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to the three companies.
However, the IYC described the petition as vexatious and driven by sentiment, malice and selfish interests, arguing that the call for revocation was based largely on political claims and an alleged connection between the contractors and an individual described in the petition as a fugitive.
According to the Council, there is no evidence that the companies have failed to fulfil their contractual obligations. It maintained that Seven Oceans Oil and Gas has been involved in pipeline surveillance and oil and gas security for more than a decade and has, over the years, recorded what it described as a meritorious performance.
The IYC further stated that available records from Tantita Security Services showed that Seven Oceans had received several Best Contractor Awards under the initiative, while Kojo Sam Logistics Limited and Labrador Security Outfit had contributed technology and managerial expertise to pipeline surveillance operations.
The Council also argued that the performance of the contractors could be measured by developments in crude oil production, noting that Nigeria’s production has recently surpassed its OPEC quota.
More importantly, the IYC claimed that there had been no reported case of sabotage on the pipeline lines and lots assigned to Seven Oceans Oil and Gas, Kojo Sam Logistics Limited and Labrador Security Outfit, describing this as evidence that the contractors were delivering on their responsibilities.
The Council also dismissed the suggestion that the contractors posed any electoral threat to President Tinubu or the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
It specifically pointed to the political activities of businessman and philanthropist Mr. Kojo Sam, whom it described as a card-carrying and foundation member of the APC in Bayelsa State and the Bayelsa East Coordinator of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement.
The IYC further claimed that Seven Oceans Oil and Kojo Sam Logistics had consistently supported the APC and government initiatives through donations, sponsorships and other forms of support, contrary to the claims contained in the publication.
On the identity and representation of the petitioner, the IYC questioned whether Kelly Nengimote’s position represented the broader views of the Ijaw people, stressing that an individual’s opinion should not automatically be interpreted as the collective position of the Ijaw Nation.
The Council accused those behind the petition of attempting to pull down fellow Ijaws through what it described as a familiar pattern of political blackmail and internal rivalry.
The IYC said it would not remain silent while what it described as a handful of aggrieved or disgruntled individuals attempted to undermine other Ijaws for personal or political interests.
It warned that any decision to revoke the contract without sufficient consideration of the facts could have consequences beyond the contractors involved, including possible disruptions to pipeline security, crude oil production and stability in parts of the Niger Delta.
The Council also appealed to Ijaw leaders and stakeholders to stop what it described as the “pull-down” mentality, warning that internal rivalry over political offices and contracts could ultimately work against the interests of the Ijaw people.
According to the IYC, history has shown that Ijaw individuals who occupied sensitive positions had sometimes been brought down by fellow Ijaws, only for the positions and opportunities to subsequently go to people from outside the Niger Delta.
The Council therefore called for greater unity among Ijaws, arguing that the people should protect the limited opportunities available to them rather than fight among themselves over positions and contracts.
The IYC also declared that it would continue to stand by Ijaw professionals, contractors, legislators, ministers and other public figures from the region who come under attack, both while in office and after leaving office.
It, however, urged those currently occupying public offices to ensure that unnecessary rivalry over appointments, contracts and political positions did not create divisions capable of weakening the Ijaw people.
The Council consequently appealed to President Tinubu to disregard the petition by Kelly Nengimote and maintain the existing arrangement concerning the pipeline surveillance contract.
It further called on the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Oil) and the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Ltd to maintain the status quo and disregard any directive that may have been issued contrary to the existing arrangement.
The IYC said its position was aimed at protecting pipeline infrastructure, sustaining crude oil production and preventing avoidable tension and insecurity in the Niger Delta.
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