IYC Rejects Call for Revocation of Pipeline Surveillance Contracts, Urges Presidency to Maintain Status Quo
The 10th National Executive Council of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has rejected a call for the immediate revocation of pipeline surveillance contracts awarded to Seven Oceans Oil and Gas Ltd, Kojo Sam Logistics Limited and Labrador Security Outfit.
The IYC, led by Comr. Dr. Doubra Collins Okotete, made its position known in an open letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following a publication in Vanguard Newspaper on Thursday, September 3, 2026, in which one Kelly Nengimote reportedly called for the revocation of the contracts.
In the letter, signed by the IYC National Spokesman, Comr. Victor Ibaningo, the council described the complaint as being driven by what it characterised as sentiment, malice and selfish interest.
The council said the request for revocation appeared to rely on political concerns and what it described as an unproven connection between the companies and other individuals, rather than on established evidence concerning the performance of the contractors.
According to the IYC, the first issue that should be considered is whether the contractors have failed to meet their contractual obligations.
The council said Seven Oceans Oil and Gas has operated in the pipeline surveillance and oil and gas security sector for more than a decade and claimed that the company has performed satisfactorily.
The IYC further stated that records associated with Tantita Security Services showed that Seven Oceans had received several Best Contractor Awards under the initiative.
It also defended Kojo Sam Logistics Limited and Labrador Security Outfit, claiming that both organisations have contributed technology and managerial capacity to pipeline surveillance operations.
The council said available evidence on the ground, in its assessment, showed that there had not been a reported sabotage incident along the lines or lots awarded to Seven Oceans Oil and Gas, Kojo Sam Logistics Limited and Labrador Security Outfit.
The IYC also challenged the suggestion that the management of the companies constituted an electoral threat to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The council specifically referenced Kojo Sam, describing him as a philanthropist and businessman who, according to the letter, is a card-carrying member and foundation member of the APC in Bayelsa State.
The IYC also stated that Kojo Sam serves as the Bayelsa East Coordinator of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement.
The council further claimed that Seven Oceans and Kojo Sam Logistics have continued to support the government and APC initiatives through donations, sponsorships and other forms of support to the party and its members in Bayelsa.
The IYC said these claims contradicted the assertions contained in the September 3 Vanguard publication.
On the identity and position of Kelly Nengimote, the council questioned whether the writer’s views represented the wider opinion of the Ijaw people.
The IYC said it could not establish, based on information available to it, the existence of an individual by that name and maintained that, even if he exists, the views expressed in the letter should not be treated as representative of the broader Ijaw population.
The council described the publication as “vexatious” and alleged that it was part of an attempt to undermine the handlers of Seven Oceans Oil and Gas, Kojo Sam Logistics Limited and Labrador Security Outfit.
The IYC further alleged that the complaint was based on a political strategy intended to create what it described as an “imaginary nexus” between a fugitive and the companies.
However, these assertions remain the position of the IYC as contained in its letter and have not been independently established by PulseNets.
The council said it would not remain silent while what it described as a small group of aggrieved or disgruntled individuals attempted to undermine other Ijaw people for personal interests.
“We like to assure you that this call for revocation if allowed to inspire future directive of the Presidency is capable of jeopardizing the security of pipeline infrastructure along with the rising production, but also bringing about conflicts and insecurity in parts of the Niger Delta.”
The IYC argued that any decision capable of disrupting the existing pipeline surveillance arrangements could have implications for crude oil production, infrastructure security and stability across parts of the Niger Delta.
It also appealed to individuals it accused of attempting to create unnecessary tension in the region through what it described as a “pull down/drag down” approach against fellow Ijaws.
The council said Ijaw people had, in the past, witnessed situations where individuals holding sensitive positions were allegedly undermined by other Ijaws because of rivalry or envy.
According to the IYC, such actions had sometimes resulted in positions and privileges ultimately going to people outside the Niger Delta rather than those responsible for the initial opposition.
The council argued that Ijaws should focus on protecting opportunities available to the region rather than fighting among themselves over limited positions and contracts.
“The 10th NEC of the IYC is resolved to protect every one of our kin, and in that resolve, we assure even those in office today (Ministers, Contractors, Legislators and etc from Ijaw extraction) that should there be an attack on their person or interest after leaving office, the IYC and Ijaw youths shall remain duty bound to stick our necks for them, but they (presently in office) must ensure that the needless tussle for office and contract be checked.”
The IYC said its position was intended to protect Ijaw interests irrespective of whether individuals were currently holding public office, managing contracts or serving in other influential positions.
In its concluding appeal to the President, the council called for the petition attributed to Kelly Nengimote and published by Vanguard on September 3, 2026, to be disregarded.
The IYC also called for the existing arrangement concerning the pipeline surveillance contracts to remain in place.
Specifically, the council requested that the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Oil) and the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Ltd be directed to maintain the status quo.
The council further urged the relevant authorities to jettison any contrary instructions that may have been issued concerning the contracts.
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PulseNets understands that the dispute centres on the continued operation of pipeline surveillance arrangements involving Seven Oceans Oil and Gas Ltd, Kojo Sam Logistics Limited and Labrador Security Outfit, with the IYC now publicly backing the companies and opposing calls for their contracts to be revoked.
The latest intervention adds another layer to the wider debate surrounding pipeline security, crude oil production and the role of indigenous contractors in safeguarding oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta.
