Mr. Blessing Agbomhere, a legal and security specialist, has urged President Bola Tinubu to prolong the existing surveillance contract for Nigeria's Niger Delta oil pipelines, which is managed by Government Ekpemupolo. He cautioned that ending this contract might reverse the positive outcomes that have been achieved in terms of crude oil production and national revenue recovery.
In a public address to the President, the National Security Adviser, and the leadership of the National Assembly, Agbomhere described the monitoring system implemented by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and other local firms as an essential tool for securing Nigeria’s economic and security interests.
As a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the South- South, Agbomhere noted that Nigeria's oil industry has been experiencing a severe crisis over recent years, characterized by rampant crude theft and extensive pipeline vandalism which has caused production levels to plummet below the country’s OPEC allocation. This situation has resulted in the loss of billions of dollars in revenue and increasing financial pressures.
According to Agbomhere, traditional security measures have been inadequate in tackling the criminal groups operating in the creeks and offshore sites of the Niger Delta, which has further diminished investor confidence and contributed to macroeconomic instability.
However, he highlighted the community-driven surveillance model, which relies on local intelligence and grassroots involvement, as a significant breakthrough. He noted that under Ekpemupolo's guidance, the initiative has effectively dismantled illegal tapping operations, eliminated unauthorized refining sites, and disrupted illicit transportation networks of crude oil, thereby enhancing stability within the major trunk lines.
Agbomhere emphasized that oil production has seen tangible improvements since the implementation of this system, leading to increased contributions to the Federation Account and better financial predictability.
In addition to recovering revenue, he pointed out that incorporating local stakeholders into a lawful security structure has diminished the motivations for sabotage, encouraged youth participation, and improved intelligence collaboration between local communities and federal authorities.
He stated, "The monitoring contract serves not just as a protection mechanism for these pipelines, but also as a stabilizing force for regional peace."
Agbomhere also warned that recent calls to terminate the contract should be carefully examined to determine if they stem from parties whose interests might be jeopardized by intensified anti-theft efforts. He added that abruptly ending the contract could create an intelligence vacuum, embolden illegal bunkering syndicates, and threaten national revenue during a period of economic vulnerability.
While recognizing the importance of transparency and legislative scrutiny, he stressed that reforms should not compromise a system he considers to be both effective and lawful.
He urged the President and lawmakers to prioritize empirical data, secure oil revenues, and solidify security advancements in the South-South region, instead of risking a return to instability.
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