OODUA PEOPLES CONGRESS AND THE PROTECTION OF OIL PIPELINE INSTALLATIONS IN SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA, 2006 -2019

Abstract

The vandalisation of oil pipeline installations remains a major problem bedevilling the oil industry in southwestern Nigeria. The menace has led to economic loss, environmental degradation and fire explosion resulting in loss of lives. In a bid to address the challenge, the Nigerian government contracted the protection of oil pipeline installations in the region to Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC). Scholars have focused attention on militancy and disruptions of oil installations but with limited considerations of strategies for protection of the facilities. The study examined responsibilities for pipeline protection, challenges faced by OPC in protecting the facilities, collaboration mechanisms between the government security agencies and OPC, and implications for security in southwestern Nigeria. Hodapp and Cannon’s Conspiracy Theory constituted the framework while exploratory research design was adopted. The study was conducted in four southwestern states: Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Ondo which were purposively selected due to the high-level incidence of oil pipeline vandalism in the areas. Data were obtained from primary and secondary sources. Primary data was purposively sourced through in-depth, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. In-depth interviews were conducted with National leaders of OPC (2), Zonal coordinators of OPC (4) and community leaders (4). Key Informant Interviews were conducted with stakeholders including Nigeria Police Force - NPF (4), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC 4) and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR 4). Focus group discussions (4) were also conducted with community youths and women groups. Secondary data were derived from relevant publications. Data were content analysed. The NSCDC has the statutory responsibility for pipeline protection with support expected from the NPF and other relevant security agencies. The challenges faced by the OPC were threats from state security agents, media, sabotage and corruption in the protection of pipelines. Collaboration and partnership between government security agents and the OPC initially resulted in the reduction of vandalism; however, lack of trust associated with joint policing led to rivalry and casualties; hence, the contractual policy failed. Collaboration between the OPC and government security agents reduces vandalism and oil spills incidence in the region. In southwestern Nigeria from (2006 - 2019)government policy of partnering Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps with Oodua Peoples Congress in the protection of oil pipeline installation was initially effective but could not be sustained. The Conspiracy between communities, few security agents as government officials, with vandals that resulted into compromise of oil facility could be surmounted through partnering with traditional leaders for information gathering and collaboration within the security architecture in the southwestern Nigeria where mutual trust and cooperation are commanded.