By Adelabu Jumoke
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting in Apo, has declined a request to halt the renewal and restructuring of the nation’s pipeline surveillance contracts awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd, Pipeline Infrastructure Limited, and Abokus Integrated Security Services Ltd.
In an ex parte ruling, Justice Bello Kawu held that granting the application would be “inimical to national interest” and could plunge the country into an economic crisis.
The court also refused to order the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd, or the Federal Government to restructure the entire pipeline surveillance framework or transfer its coordination to national security agencies.
Justice Kawu emphasized that pipeline security remains critical to Nigeria’s economic survival, noting that it is in the public interest for the current service providers to continue their operations without disruption.
The judge further declined a request for an interim order compelling the AGF, NNPCL, or the Federal Government to disclose all payments made under the contracts and submit relevant documents within seven days, pending the determination of a motion on notice.
However, the court granted leave for the originating summons to be served on the defendant companies outside Abuja and ordered an accelerated hearing of the substantive suit.
The case was adjourned to April 21 for further proceedings.
The ruling, delivered on March 21, came to light on Monday in Abuja following the release of a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the enrolled order. It arose from an ex parte motion filed by the Registered Trustees of the Peoples Wellbeing Association (PWA) in a suit marked FCT/HC/M/4534/2026.
In the substantive suit, the PWA is challenging the legality of awarding pipeline protection contracts to private firms, arguing that such responsibilities should rest solely with government security agencies.
