By Olugbenga Ige
February 8, 2026
A human rights activist from the Niger Delta, Fejiro Oliver, has urged the Federal Government to align pipeline surveillance contracts with the Nigerian Local Content Act, which prioritizes Nigerian participation in the oil and gas sector.
Oliver stressed that the law requires Nigerian companies, goods, services, and personnel to be given first consideration in all projects within the industry. The Act also mandates that companies must have at least 51% Nigerian ownership to be classified as indigenous, a measure meant to build local capacity and promote inclusive participation.
“Applying these principles to pipeline surveillance would ensure every ethnic group in the Niger Delta has a role in managing pipelines passing through their communities,” Oliver said. He added that where local participation is not feasible, statutory security agencies, such as the Nigerian Navy and Civil Defence, should step in.
The activist believes this approach would strengthen community cooperation, boost local engagement, and ensure sustainable protection of Nigeria’s critical energy infrastructure.
