The Ijaw Youth Council Central Zone has rejected calls for the revocation of pipeline surveillance contracts involving Seven Oceans Oil and Gas Limited, Kojo Sam Logistics Limited, and Labrador Security Outfit.
The council said concerns about any contractor should be investigated through recognized institutions rather than used as the basis for immediate cancellation.
Its position followed a publication by Kelly Nengimote calling for the contracts to be revoked.
In a statement signed by Central Zone Information Officer Boro Francis, the IYC said allegations affecting pipeline surveillance should be supported by credible evidence and assessed against operational, regulatory and security requirements.
The council argued that pipeline surveillance remained important to protecting oil infrastructure, reducing theft and vandalism and safeguarding government revenue.
It also said the Niger Delta needed cooperation among communities, security agencies, contractors and youth groups rather than disputes that could create additional instability.
The IYC said it recognized the activities of the three companies and other operators working within the Tantita security framework and argued that the existing arrangement should continue unless an objective assessment established grounds for change.
At the same time, the council urged the Federal Government to independently investigate the concerns raised in the publication.
The IYC said it would support accountability where wrongdoing was established but warned against using allegations to advance personal or factional rivalries.
The council’s endorsement of the contractors is its own assessment and does not independently establish their performance or resolve any allegations made against them.
