The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has called on stakeholders in the Niger Delta to redirect attention from disputes over pipeline surveillance contracts to broader issues of regional development, resource control, and environmental justice.
Speaking at a press conference on April 2, 2026, IPF President, Comrade Ozobo Austin, expressed concern over ongoing disagreements among ex-agitators and leaders, describing the focus on pipeline contracts as a distraction from more pressing concerns affecting the region.
According to the group, the controversy surrounding pipeline surveillance arrangements particularly involving Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited; should not overshadow long-standing demands for fairness and development in the oil-rich region.
The forum noted that multiple firms are involved in pipeline surveillance, stressing that the responsibility is not limited to a single company.
IPF maintained that the involvement of private security outfits has contributed to improved oil production, enhanced security, and job creation, urging critics to avoid personalizing the issue. The group also cautioned against public confrontations among stakeholders, advising that disagreements be resolved privately to preserve unity within the region.
Highlighting the paradox of wealth and poverty in the Niger Delta, the forum lamented that despite being the hub of Nigeria’s oil production, many communities continue to face underdevelopment, environmental degradation, and economic hardship.
The group called for renewed focus on key demands, including environmental remediation, equitable resource control, and the relocation of International Oil Companies’ operational headquarters to the Niger Delta. It also advocated for increased participation of indigenes in oil bloc ownership and greater investment in rebuilding conflict-affected communities.
IPF further urged the Federal Government and oil companies to take responsibility for environmental damage caused by oil exploration, including compensating affected communities and committing to sustainable development initiatives.
The forum concluded by appealing to political leaders, traditional rulers, and community representatives to rise above internal divisions and work collectively toward securing a better future for the region.
It emphasized that achieving meaningful progress in the Niger Delta requires unity, strategic focus, and sustained advocacy for policies that directly benefit the people.