The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to stop and overhaul the renewal of Nigeria’s pipeline surveillance contract, ruling that such action could harm the country’s economy.

The case was instituted by the Registered Trustees of the People’s Well-Being Association against the Attorney General of the Federation, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PIN), and Abokus Integrated Security Services Limited.

The plaintiffs had requested an interim injunction to prevent the Federal Government and NNPCL from renewing or continuing the pipeline surveillance contract. They also urged the court to direct national security agencies to assume responsibility for pipeline protection and to order full disclosure of payments made under the arrangement.

However, in his ruling, Justice Bello declined the application, cautioning that granting such orders could disrupt the nation’s economic stability.

The court held that the requested reliefs could create a dangerous operational gap, potentially leading to increased oil theft and substantial revenue losses. It stressed that no judicial decision should trigger an economic crisis for the country.

Justice Bello further affirmed that the Federal Government and NNPCL are free to proceed with the contract renewal, highlighting the need to avoid any disruption in pipeline surveillance operations while the substantive case is still pending.

Additionally, the court directed all parties currently involved in the surveillance framework, including Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, to continue carrying out their duties in the interest of national security and economic stability.

The ruling underscores the critical importance of maintaining effective surveillance systems to safeguard Nigeria’s oil infrastructure and protect government revenue.