ONC To Convene Special Convention On Pipeline Vandalism & Crude Oil Theft

 

Notable Niger Delta socio-cultural group, the Orashi National Congress, ONC, has announced plans to host a Special Convention to tackle the rising cases of pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering and other forms of economic sabotage in the Orashi Region and the wider Niger Delta.

The Convention is scheduled for *Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. prompt* at the Multipurpose Hall, Abua/Odual Council Secretariat, Abua/Odual Local Government Area, Rivers State.

Convened by the President General of ONC, Ambassador Emeni Ibe, JP, AP, the gathering is expected to bring together community leaders, youths, traditional rulers, security agencies, civil society organisations, oil industry operators, and other stakeholders.

According to ONC, the objective is to deliberate on practical strategies to combat economic sabotage and to develop a united front for the protection of critical oil and gas infrastructure.

Speaking on the initiative, the Congress said pipeline vandalism, crude theft and illegal bunkering have inflicted huge economic losses on Nigeria while also fueling environmental degradation, loss of livelihoods and insecurity in host communities.

“The fight against economic sabotage cannot be left entirely to government and security agencies,” ONC stated. “Host communities, youths, traditional rulers, oil companies, surveillance contractors and other stakeholders must collectively take responsibility for protecting critical national assets within our environment.”

The Congress said the convention will serve as a platform to strengthen public awareness and deepen community participation in the protection of oil facilities and other economic infrastructure across Orashi land and the Niger Delta.

To achieve this, ONC is calling for strategic partnerships and support from key players in the sector.

In particular, the Congress extended an invitation for collaboration to Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, PINL, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, oil and gas companies, multinational corporations, and other stakeholders involved in the protection and management of petroleum infrastructure.

ONC noted that such partnerships will help to deepen grassroots sensitisation, promote intelligence gathering, empower community stakeholders, and encourage young people to reject illegal activities that undermine regional and national economic stability.

Amb. Emeni Ibe described the initiative as part of ONC’s broader commitment to peace, security, environmental protection, youth engagement and sustainable development in the Orashi Region.

He stressed that communities hosting oil facilities must transition from passive observers to active partners in safeguarding assets that drive the Nigerian economy.

 

“The Orashi Region and the Niger Delta have paid enormous sacrifices in sustaining the Nigerian economy. It is therefore important that we collectively protect the oil and gas infrastructure within our communities from vandalism, crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and every other form of economic sabotage.

“This convention is not just about condemnation; it is about creating partnerships, developing solutions and mobilising our people towards taking collective responsibility for the protection of our heritage, environment and economic future,” he stated.

The ONC appealed to corporate organisations, security stakeholders and public-spirited individuals to support the success of the convention, noting that a united approach remains essential to addressing the complex challenges confronting oil-producing communities.

 

The Congress reaffirmed its commitment to working with government institutions, security agencies, oil companies, surveillance contractors, traditional institutions and community-based organisations toward building a safer and more prosperous Niger Delta.

 

The Special Convention is expected to produce far-reaching resolutions and recommendations aimed at strengthening cooperation between communities and stakeholders in the collective fight against economic sabotage.

 

The theme of the initiative is anchored on the belief that collective responsibility remains the strongest tool for protecting the region’s heritage, preserving its environment and securing its future.