Niger Delta leaders list risks of decentralising pipeline security contract
Niger Delta leaders under the auspices of the Niger Delta Watchdog (NDW) have advised the federal government to disregard the agitations in some quarters to decentralise the pipeline security contract
- ...outline gains of Tompolo's Tantita
- By Mike Odiegwu, Port Harcourt
Niger Delta leaders under the auspices of the Niger Delta Watchdog (NDW) have advised the federal government to disregard the agitations in some quarters to decentralise the pipeline security contract handled by the Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL), saying it will pose danger to peace, security and economic stability of the country.
The leaders, in a communique they issued after their meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, insisted that any attempt to alter the mode of the contract would lead to conflicts capable of threatening critical national infrastructures in the Niger Delta.
The communique was signed by Johnny Obakpororo, Central Coordinator; Bakpa Oris, Delta state; SNR High Chief Idowu Asonja, Ondo State, Douye Kodjo Isoun,
Bayelsa State; Ellington Bakumor,
Central Public Relations Officer (PRO); Uyoata Assam, Akwa Ibom State; John Etefia, Cross Rivers State and Success Okporo Uche, Rivers State.
They said the prevailing model operated by Tantita, a security outfit owned by Governnent Ekpemupolo popularly known as Tompolo had demonstrated measurable success in stabilising the region, reducing conflict, and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic lifelines.
"Given the sensitive nature of this infrastructure, the framework through which pipeline security is managed must prioritize stability, coordination, and conflict prevention", they said.
They argued that decentralising pipeline security would intensify existing disputes between neighbouring communities observing that many communities in the region were involved in conflicts over land ownership and territorial boundaries, control of natural resources and claims over oil pipelines passing through their territories.
They highlighted other dangers as intensification of internal community conflicts, emergence of leadership cartels, inter-family ownership disputes and fragmentation of Authority:
They said, "Such instability not only disrupts social harmony but also directly endangers pipeline infrastructure, increasing the risk of vandalism, sabotage, and production losses.
"Pipeline infrastructure in the Niger Delta is central to Nigeria’s economy. Any disruption has immediate and far-reaching consequences, including loss of government revenue reduced oil production capacity, increased operational costs and damage to Nigeria’s international economic reputation".
The stakeholders appraised The operations of Tantita saying that the company's centralized roles had helped in conflict resolutions and peacebuilding across the Niger Delta communities.
They argued that Tantita had helped in prevention of internal community disputes, reduced pipeline vandalism, improved surveillance and response mechanisms and ensured consistent protection of oil and gas assets, contributing directly to improved production levels and revenue stability.
They noted that by ensuring peace and safeguarding infrastructure, Tantita had supported uninterrupted economic activity; enabled communities to benefit from stability and strengthened Nigeria’s overall economic outlook
The stakeholders said: "The evidence is clear; decentralization of pipeline security in the Niger Delta region will cause more harm than good. Rather than promoting inclusivity, it is likely to
intensify conflicts, fragment authority, endanger critical infrastructure and undermine national economic stability.
"Conversely, the centralized model implemented by Tantita Security Services has demonstrated effectiveness in maintaining peace, resolving disputes, and protecting vital assets".
The stakeholders in their communique recommended that the Federal Government should maintain the current centralized security framework; avoid fragmentation of security responsibilities; strengthen community engagement mechanisms and prioritize stability as a national economic imperative.
They said: "Sustainable peace in the Niger Delta is not accidental, it is the result of deliberate coordination, trusted leadership, and consistent engagement.
Any policy shift must preserve these hard-earned gains.
"At this time, decentralization presents a significant risk, while the current system continues to offer stability, security, and economic assurance for the nation.
It is therefore strongly advised that the Federal Government of Nigeria carefully scrutinize and ultimately disregard calls for the decentralization of pipeline security contracts.
"Available evidence and prevailing realities suggest that such calls may not be driven by the broader national interest, but rather by narrow, self-serving agendas that could reignite conflict within the region, this we know the Government does not need.
"If implemented, decentralization could reverse the progress already achieved—leading to a resurgence of illegal activities such as pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft (bunkering), increased community conflicts, and widespread instability.
"The cumulative effect of these outcomes would be a serious threat to national security and a potential economic downturn for the country.
"Nigeria cannot afford a return to the era of disruption and uncertainty in the Niger Delta. Preserving the current structure, which has demonstrably ensured peace and economic stability, remains the most prudent and nationally beneficial course of action."
