Ex-agitators defend Tantita contract, say it drives jobs for Niger Delta youths
Leaders of the First Phase ex-agitators under the aegis of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators’ Forum have defended the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSNL), describing it as
Leaders of the First Phase ex-agitators under the aegis of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators' Forum have defended the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSNL), describing it as a major job creation platform for thousands of youths in the oil-producing region.
Speaking at a press conference in Udu, Delta State, on Thursday, the group said calls by some organisations for the cancellation of the contract were politically motivated and aimed at destabilising the Niger Delta.
National President of the forum, General Aroni Oputu, flanked by other leaders, described critics of the arrangement as “conflict merchants” seeking to return the region to the era of pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering.
In a statement signed by representatives from the nine oil-producing states — General Awe Akoke (Delta), Ayabowei Godgift (Bayelsa), Prince Dennis Ogbonna (Rivers), James Ukpong (Akwa Ibom), Chief Godwin Ukori (Edo), Andrew Vocor (Imo) and Emmanuel Chibuike (Abia) — the forum said the surveillance initiative had created employment opportunities for thousands of youths across the region.
“This is not just a contract; it is a massive job creation engine. From Bayelsa to Akwa Ibom and other Niger Delta states, thousands of youths who were once drawn into crime are now gainfully employed as protectors of national assets,” the group said.
The ex-agitators also credited the arrangement with helping to reverse Nigeria’s declining oil production and improving investor confidence in the petroleum sector.
They commended President Bola Tinubu for sustaining the contract and urged the Federal Government to expand its scope.
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“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not make a mistake in sustaining this contract. Before Tantita, Nigeria’s oil production was in freefall. Today, production is rising and investor confidence is returning,” the statement said.
The forum alleged that recent attacks against Tantita were sponsored by political opponents worried about growing support for the President in the Niger Delta ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We know these attacks are sponsored by political enemies of Mr President who see Tompolo’s loyalty to the administration and his ability to deliver peace as a threat to their ambitions,” the group said.
The ex-agitators insisted that the contract, handled by Tantita and chaired by High Chief Government Ekpemukplo (Tompolo), has strengthened security in the creeks and provided economic opportunities for local communities.
They therefore urged the Federal Government not only to retain the contract but expand it to further secure oil infrastructure and create more employment for youths in the region.
The group also passed a vote of confidence on the Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Chief Dennis Otuaro, commending his leadership and efforts in human capital development across the Niger Delta.
National Secretary of the Forum, General Vocor, contrary to claims, Tantita has employed locals for the protection of pipelines, saying: "You can not go to Imo state and see Delta people doing jobs there, so if any body says they are bringing strangers, there are no strangers in our various state."
Senior Adviser to the group, Chief Kalaiti Jephthah, from Bayelsa state, emphasised the. Eed for people of the region to speak in one voice and support Tantita.
"A good number of us may not be beneficiaries, but we believe this is something we mist do to emancipate our region. There is so much that Tompolo has done, there is so much that Otuaro has done. There is no body that can do more than they have done. They do not tilt themselves to do things that are not benefitting to the Niger Delta. A good portion of our famîies who may not be among us are benefitting. As long as these benefits are spreading, peace is spreading and developments are coming to the Niger Delta," he stated.
Another ex-agitator, Comrade Chibuike posited that "subsidy is yielding results because there is Tantita," and advised that for sustained peace, the federal government should continue to use Tantita to secure Nigeria’s critical assets.