Niger Delta stakeholders reject calls to break up Tantita pipeline security contract
…commend Tinubu for approving renewal, National Assembly for passing vote of confidence in Tantita, Tompolo. Niger Delta ex-militants, Board of Trustees (BoT), Critical Stakeholders Forum (CSF), and the Foundation for
...commend Tinubu for approving renewal, National Assembly for passing vote of confidence in Tantita, Tompolo.
Niger Delta ex-militants, Board of Trustees (BoT), Critical Stakeholders Forum (CSF), and the Foundation for Heritage Advancement and Development in Niger Delta (FHADND) have rejected calls for the decentralisation of the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL).
Rising from a meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the stakeholders described proposals to alter the operational structure of the contract under the leadership of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, as premature, dangerous and counterproductive.
They commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for renewing the contract, stating that the decision reflected the position of a majority of critical stakeholders and communities in the Niger Delta who, according to them, have witnessed improved stability since Tantita commenced operations.
The group also praised the National Assembly for passing a vote of confidence in Tantita’s operations and in Tompolo’s leadership.
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In a communique signed by key representatives, including High Chief Reuben Clifford Wilson, Chairman of the BoT; Ezekiel Akpasibewei, representing first-phase ex-militant leaders; Francis Waiwei, Executive Director of FHADND; and Comrade Nature Dumale Kieghe, BoT Secretary, the stakeholders reaffirmed their support for the current arrangement.
Other signatories include Prince Emeka Igwe (Imo State Coordinator), Ideye Granvile (Rivers), High Chief Andabafa Opunama (Delta), Darikoro Alfred (Bayelsa Coordinator), High Chief Niko Sintei (Akwa Ibom), Frankly Duduku (Cross River), Godgift Ayabowei (Bayelsa), Ambassador Kenneth Ekberi (Rivers), and Chief Oyetakin Senator (Ondo).
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They recalled that before the era of Tantita’s operations, the Niger Delta was notorious for oil theft, pipeline vandalism, illegal bunkering, sabotage of oil infrastructure and environmental degradation.
But the stakeholders noted that following the surveillance contract, all the vices had reduced to their barest minimum adding that the current operation framework had led to improved field coordination, stronger local intelligence gathering and increased operational vigilance among others.
"In simple terms, the present structure is working and what is working should be strengthened and not dismantled. Pipeline surveillance in the Niger Delta is not an ordinary contract, it is a national security responsibility tied directly to Nigeria's economic survival", the stakehokders said.
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They insisted that any attempt to distort the existing structure would create operational confusion, encourage rivalry among multiple actors, weaken accountability, undermine coordination and efficiency and create security gaps that criminal elements could exploit among others.
The stakehokders said: "The current arrangement under Tantita has over time developed the institutional familiarity, operational experince, and local legitimacy required to function effectively in such a sensitive environment. To suddenly fragment such framework in the name of decentralisation would amount to disrupting a system that has already demonstrated effectiveness.
"We must state clearly that pipeline security should never be politicised or reduced to a sharing formula for sectional, political or patronage interest. Nigeria's strategic oil assets are too important to be subjected to experiments driven by personal ambition, regional pressure or political bargaining. The overriding consideration must always be national interest, operational effectiveness and sustainable peace in the Niger Delta.
"We, therefore urge all well-meaning stakeholders leaders to support the preservation and strengthening of the current surveillance framework in the overall interest of peace, security, and economic stability in the
Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.
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"We are also using this medium to assure Mr. President that he will be given
overwhelming bulk votes in the forthcoming 2027 presidential election in the Niger Delta region because of his speedy approval of the renewal of the pipeline security and surveillance job for Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
"The renewal of this job has renewed the hopes and strengthened the confidence of the ordinary Niger Deltans in Mr. President. The Niger Delta people are excited to continue plying their trades without the fear of sea pirates attacks and the negative effects of illegal oil bunkering activities in their communities."
