Traditional rulers from Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko and Ndokwa communities in Delta State have thrown their weight behind Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to renew and expand the firm’s pipeline surveillance contract.
The endorsement followed an enlarged meeting of the monarchs held on Monday at the palace of HRM Dr. Emmanuel E. Sideso, OON, JP, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom in Warri.
In a joint position conveyed through an open letter to the President, the monarchs praised the Federal Government for awarding the contract to Tantita, citing tangible improvements in security across the Niger Delta.
“We express deep appreciation and profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd worthy of the pipeline surveillance contract in the Niger Delta,” they stated.
They credited the company’s operations with a sharp decline in criminal activities, including oil theft and piracy. “There has been a reduction in criminality on all fronts, including illegal bunkering, crude oil theft, kidnapping, sea piracy, armed robbery and youth restiveness,” the monarchs added.
According to them, the improved security has boosted both the economy and the environment. “It has bolstered the economy of the country and improved both aquatic and terrestrial habitats due to the reduction in illegal bunkering and destruction of oil and gas pipelines,” they said, noting that oil production has risen to about 1.8 million barrels per day, with increased gas output attracting foreign investment.
The monarchs, however, rejected calls for decentralising the contract, warning that such a move could undermine existing gains. “We condemn the call for decentralisation of the Tantita contract. Our findings show that the contract is already decentralised, with various contractors handling different sections across ethnic nationalities,” they stated.
They appealed for continuity and expansion of the initiative, saying, “We appeal to Mr. President to renew and expand the scope of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd to enhance increased oil and gas output and ensure optimum peace and stability in the region.”
Speaking at the meeting, a representative of Tantita, Emmanuel Jakpa, described the monarchs’ support as vital to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic assets.
“Your service in your respective kingdoms in supporting this work is a national service because it concerns the security of the most valuable assets in our nation’s economy,” he said.
Jakpa revealed that prior to the contract award in August 2022, oil production had dropped to about 700,000 barrels per day due to widespread theft. “Today, that story has changed completely, with recovery levels now between 97 and 99 per cent,” he noted.
He also highlighted environmental improvements, stating, “If you visited many communities before now, soot pollution was a major issue. Today, that has significantly reduced, and our environment is cleaner and safer.”
Warning against complacency, he added, “This progress is not irreversible. If the right things are not sustained, we may return to the days of pollution and insecurity.”
In separate remarks, the monarchs pointed to improved livelihoods and youth engagement as key benefits of the initiative.
“One of the greatest impacts is that our people can now return to fishing and farming. Our rivers are cleaner, and our environment is safer,” a monarch said.
Another added, “Many of our youths are now employed as security personnel, which has reduced restiveness in our communities.”
They, however, called for stronger collaboration with traditional institutions. “There must be continuous engagement with traditional rulers… such interactions should be regular to address issues and clear misconceptions,” one of them noted.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by both the monarchs and Tantita to sustain cooperation in protecting critical oil infrastructure and promoting stability in the Niger Delta.
