Stakeholders from the Niger Delta Roundtable have expressed urgent concerns over the ineffective centralized model of pipeline surveillance contracts in Nigeria, calling for a decentralization of security responsibilities. During an emergency meeting in Port Harcourt, they urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to distribute these security contracts across local states and host communities instead of relying on a single contractor. This shift is seen as essential to effectively address the ongoing issues of oil theft, illegal bunkering, and pipeline vandalism that have plagued the region.

The stakeholders highlighted the severe economic impact of the current centralized approach, noting that Nigeria lost approximately 93.74 million barrels of crude oil in the first eight months of 2025, resulting in a staggering loss of about $6.85 billion in potential revenue. This figure underscores the urgency of reforming the security arrangements, as continued oil theft negatively affects the nation's revenue generation capabilities. Furthermore, they reported that actual oil production levels have fallen well below the government's budget forecasts, which exacerbates the crisis.

By decentralizing security oversight and allowing local communities more direct involvement in safeguarding pipelines, stakeholders believe it could lead to more responsible management and a significant reduction in illegal activities. This local engagement is deemed critical for restoring order and ensuring that the financial benefits of oil production could potentially benefit the communities most affected by these issues, creating a more sustainable future for the Niger Delta region.