Stakeholders within the Niger Delta region have voiced their firm opposition to any suggestions of decentralizing the pipeline security contract held by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL). This sentiment was conveyed by various groups including Niger Delta ex-militants, the Board of Trustees (BoT), the Critical Stakeholders Forum (CSF), and the Foundation for Heritage Advancement and Development in Niger Delta (FHADND).
These stakeholders lauded the National Assembly for issuing a vote of confidence in Tantita's operations and the leadership of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo. Their collective position was articulated during a meeting held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The stakeholders characterised any attempts to alter the existing contract framework under Tompolo's leadership as premature, detrimental, and potentially counterproductive. They applauded President Bola Tinubu for endorsing the contract's renewal, stating that his decision reflected the desires of a significant number of crucial stakeholders and the general populace, who have witnessed the stabilising influence of Tantita's work in the Niger Delta.
The communique detailing the stakeholders' stance was endorsed by prominent figures including High Chief Reuben Wilson (BoT Chairman, BSF), Mr. Ezekiel Akpasibewei (First Phase Ex-militant Leaders), Chief Francis Waiwei (Executive Director, FHADND), Comrade Nature Dumale Kieghe (BoT Secretary), Prince Emeke Igwe (Imo State Coordinator), Ideye Granvile (Rivers), High Chief Andabafa Opunama (Delta Coordinator), Darikoro Alfred (Bayelsa), High Chief Niko Sintei (Akwa Ibom), Frankly Duduku (Cross River), Godgift Ayabowei (Bayelsa), Kenneth Ekberi, and Chief Oyetakin Senator (Ondo).
They recalled that prior to Tantita's involvement, the Niger Delta was plagued by extensive oil theft, pipeline vandalism, illegal bunkering, and significant environmental damage. However, they observed that the surveillance contract has led to a substantial reduction in these illicit activities, citing improvements in field coordination, enhanced local intelligence gathering, and increased operational vigilance.
"Put simply, the current system is effective and should be reinforced, not dismantled. Pipeline surveillance in the Niger Delta is more than just a contract; it is a critical national security duty directly linked to Nigeria's economic sustenance," the stakeholders declared.
They warned that any effort to disrupt the current structure could lead to operational confusion, foster rivalries among different entities, weaken accountability, impede coordination and efficiency, and create security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by criminal elements.
The stakeholders further elaborated: "The existing arrangement under Tantita has cultivated the necessary institutional familiarity, operational expertise, and local legitimacy to function effectively in this sensitive region. Suddenly fragmenting this framework under the guise of decentralization would be equivalent to disrupting a system that has already proven its worth."
They stressed that pipeline security should not be subject to political manipulation or divided for sectional, political, or patronage interests. According to them, Nigeria's vital oil assets are too important to be subjected to experimental approaches driven by personal ambitions, regional pressures, or political negotiations.
"The paramount considerations must consistently be national interest, operational effectiveness, and sustained peace in the Niger Delta," they asserted.
Consequently, they urged all conscientious leaders and stakeholders to support the preservation and strengthening of the current surveillance framework for the broader benefit of peace, security, and economic stability across the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.
Additionally, they expressed confidence that President Tinubu would receive substantial votes from the Niger Delta in the upcoming 2027 presidential elections, owing to his swift approval for the renewal of the pipeline security and surveillance contract for Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
The renewal, they noted, has rekindled the hopes and bolstered the confidence of ordinary Niger Deltans in the President. "The people of the Niger Delta are delighted to resume their livelihoods without the constant threat of sea pirate attacks and the detrimental impacts of illegal oil bunkering activities in their communities," the stakeholders concluded.
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