The Coalition of Benin Socio-Cultural Organisations has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently decentralise pipeline surveillance and waterways security operations in oil and gas-producing states, saying the move would promote equitable wealth distribution and stimulate economic growth across Nigeria.
The group made the call during a media briefing on Wednesday in Benin City, the Edo State capital, where it lamented what it described as the exclusion of Edo State from pipeline surveillance contracts, the Amnesty Programme, and other related opportunities despite the state’s vast gas reserves.
According to the coalition, Edo State, which it said has the largest gas deposit in the South-South region, has continued to suffer neglect in the allocation of key federal benefits tied to oil and gas production.
Speaking at the briefing, the Coordinator-General of the group, Osazee Amas-Edobor, and the Secretary, Influence Enobun, said the continuous exclusion of Benin people and Edo youths from direct participation, ownership stakes, and other benefits under the Amnesty and post-Amnesty programmes amounts to an insult to the state.
“We urge the federal government to decentralise pipeline surveillance contracts to ensure fair distribution of wealth and opportunities,” the group said.
“We highlight the case of Benin and Edo State, which has the largest gas deposit in the region but remains grossly underrepresented in pipeline contracts, the Amnesty Programme, and employment opportunities.
“We demand an explanation for the marginalisation of Benin and Edo people and call for immediate action to address this imbalance. The deprivation of the Benin people at different levels is sickening,” the statement added.
The coalition also demanded the inclusion of Benin people and Edo State in all Amnesty and post-Amnesty programmes, with a quota that reflects the state’s contribution to national oil and gas production.
It further called for the full participation of indigenous citizens of oil and gas-producing communities in pipeline and waterways surveillance contracts, insisting that such opportunities should not be dominated by non-indigenes and settlers.
In addition, the group called for an immediate review and rectification of the allocation and ownership of oil wells allegedly taken from Edo State, as well as other accruable benefits due to host communities.
The non-partisan organisation also warned individuals and groups allegedly claiming to represent Edo State against monopolising the benefits of pipeline contracts at the expense of Benin people and Edo youths.
According to the coalition, equitable distribution of resources and opportunities remains critical to sustaining peace and fairness in the state.