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Niger Delta youths, under the aegis of the Coalition of Niger Delta Youth Groups, has backed the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to ensure a brighter future for Nigerians.

The Coalition also, unequivocally, expresses its unwavering support and confidence in the leadership of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) under the able stewardship of Mele Kyari.

At a press conference in Warri, Delta State on Friday, the Coalition, which is made up of several Niger Delta groups, highlighted some of the gains of the pipeline surveillance contracted to Tantita Security Services and enumerated the giant strides of the Mele Kyari-led NNPC Limited.

The National Coordinator of Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC), Comrade Israel Uwejeyan; the National President of Isoko Youth Forum, Prince Brozie Utomodo; the Convener of South-south Youth Vanguard, Barr. Preye Oporomo; and Mr. Valentine Ugboli, National Coordinator of Niger Delta Youth Movement for Youth Empowerment, were among prominent Niger Delta youth leaders at the briefing.

The Niger Delta youths maintained that unified efforts will continue to ensure that the benefits of the pipeline surveillance contract are maximised for the well-being of all Nigerians, explaining Kyari’s endorsement was founded on the remarkable strides achieved through the pipeline surveillance contract, which has proven to be a game-changer for Nigeria.

They said “We, the Coalition of Niger Delta Youth Groups and The Niger Delta Youth Congress, wish to unequivocally express our unwavering support and confidence in the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) under the able stewardship of Mr. Mele Kyari.

“This endorsement is founded on the remarkable strides achieved through the pipeline surveillance contract, which has proven to be a game-changer for our nation, Nigeria.

“The pipeline surveillance contract has yielded manifold benefits, foremost among them being its significant impact on our oil production capacity. By ensuring the security and integrity of our pipelines, this initiative has bolstered our oil production, contributing positively to the national economy.

“Furthermore, the contract has been instrumental in curbing the menace of oil bunkering, a plight that has plagued our region for far too long”, the youths of the oil-rich region said.

According to them, “the reduction in oil bunkering not only safeguards our precious resources but also has a far-reaching positive effect on the environment, mitigating the devastating ecological consequences of oil spills.

“Perhaps most importantly, the pipeline surveillance contract has become a wellspring of employment opportunities for the youth of the Niger Delta region.

“It has created both direct and indirect jobs, offering our young people a chance at meaningful livelihoods, thereby reducing the allure of illicit activities driven by unemployment.

“It has come to our attention that there are individuals engaged in orchestrated protests against the leadership of the NNPC and the pipeline surveillance contract.

“We wish to emphatically state that these dissenting voices are in the employ of oil thieves and bunkerers who seek to disrupt the progress we have made, It is essential to recognize that dissenting voices, often driven by vested interests, should not deter us from the path of progress.

“The Coalition of Niger Delta Youth Groups remains committed to working hand in hand with the NNPCl and all stakeholders to build a brighter future for the Niger Delta region and Nigeria as a whole. Our unified efforts will continue to ensure that the benefits of the pipeline surveillance contract are maximized for the well-being of all Nigerians.

“Finally, we want to also appeal to the Leadership of the NNPCL to carry the Isoko Ethic Nationality along in the Pipeline Surveillance contract as the Isoko people are major oil producers, and their commitment to maintaining peace and safeguarding oil facilities is evident through years of responsible coexistence with the industry.

“Their track record in ensuring the uninterrupted flow of oil and the safety of critical infrastructure is commendable. We believe it is both fair and just to recognize the Isoko ethnic nationalities by involving them in pipeline surveillance contracts.

“Doing so would not only reward their years of dedication but also strengthen the bond between the oil industry and the local communities”, the youth groups said.