**NNPCL Pipeline Surveillance Contract Scandal: CSO Backs NASS Probe** A civil society organisation, Coalition for Better Nigeria, has thrown its weight behind the National Assembly's investigation into the N2.1 trillion oil pipeline surveillance contract awarded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The group, which has been monitoring the situation, has expressed support for the legislative probe, describing it as a step in the right direction towards transparency and accountability in the management of Nigeria's oil and gas resources. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the group's spokesperson, Comrade Yahaya Garba, noted that the contract, initially valued at N4.8 billion monthly, has now been exposed to be a multi-trillion-naira arrangement. The coalition views this revelation as unacceptable and a breach of public trust. The group also questioned the effectiveness of the surveillance arrangement, citing recent international interceptions of vessels allegedly transporting stolen Nigerian crude oil. This, they argue, highlights the scale of oil theft still occurring in the country, despite the huge sums spent on protecting pipelines. They propose that such incidents suggest possible connivance by some individuals, who would not have been able to export stolen crude if the surveillance system was working effectively. The coalition further called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review and drastically reduce the cost of pipeline security. They suggest that host communities in oil-producing areas be directly engaged to protect pipelines in their territories, a move they argue would be more effective and cost-saving. This move by the coalition follows recent revelations of the contract's massive value and its questionable effectiveness in curbing crude oil theft. The National Assembly's investigation is seen as a crucial step towards unraveling the complexities surrounding the contract and ensuring accountability in the management of Nigeria's oil and gas resources. In a country where oil theft has been a major concern, the Coalition for Better Nigeria's support for the NASS probe is seen as a significant development. As Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenges of oil production, transparency and accountability in the management of oil and gas resources remain critical to the country's economic development.