Traditional rulers from Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko and Ndokwa ethnic nationalities in Delta State have endorsed Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd for the pipeline surveillance contract, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to renew and expand its mandate.
The endorsement followed an enlarged meeting of about 50 monarchs held on Monday at the palace of the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM Dr. Emmanuel E. Sideso.
A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting was jointly signed by the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom and Chairman of the Urhobo Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso Abe I; the Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha Kingdom and Chairman of the Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum, HRM (Capt.) King Joseph I Timiyan; the Odio-Ologbo of Onokoko Kingdom and Chairman of the Ndokwa Traditional Rulers Council; the Ovie of Uzere Kingdom and Chairman of the Isoko Traditional Rulers Forum, HRM Isaac Udogri; and HRM King Monday Obukowho Whiskey, Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom and spokesperson for the Urhobo Traditional Council.
In an open letter addressed to the President, the monarchs expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for awarding the contract to Tantita, noting that the firm has recorded measurable success in securing oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta.
“We express deep appreciation and profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd worthy of the pipeline surveillance contract in the Niger Delta,” the monarchs said.
They stated that the company’s operations have significantly reduced criminal activities in the region.
“There has been a reduction in criminality on all fronts, including illegal bunkering, crude oil theft, kidnapping, sea piracy, armed robbery and youth restiveness,” the communiqué read.
According to the monarchs, the improved security situation has positively impacted the nation’s economy and the environment.
“It has bolstered the economy of the country and improved both aquatic and terrestrial habitats due to the reduction in illegal bunkering and destruction of oil and gas pipelines,” they said.
They added that Nigeria’s oil production has risen to about 1.8 million barrels per day, with increased gas output also attracting foreign direct investment.
The traditional rulers, however, opposed calls for the decentralisation of the pipeline surveillance contract, warning that such a move could undermine the gains achieved.
“We condemn the call for decentralisation of the Tantita contract. Our findings show that the contract is already decentralised, with various contractors handling different sections across ethnic nationalities,” they stated.
They appealed to the President to renew and expand the contract to sustain progress in the region.
“We appeal to Mr. President to renew and expand the scope of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd to enhance increased oil and gas output and ensure optimum peace and stability in the region,” the monarchs added.
Speaking at the meeting, a representative of the company, Barrister Emmanuel Jakpa, commended the monarchs for their support, describing it as vital to national security.
“Your service in your respective kingdoms in supporting this work is a national service because it concerns the security of the most valuable assets in our nation’s economy,” Jakpa said.
He disclosed that before the contract was awarded in August 2022, Nigeria’s oil production had dropped significantly due to crude oil theft.
“When this contract was signed in August 2022, production was around 700,000 barrels per day. Today, that story has changed completely, with recovery levels now between 97 and 99 per cent,” he said.
Jakpa also noted that the company’s intervention has improved environmental conditions across the Niger Delta.
“If you visited many communities before now, soot pollution was a major issue. Today, that has significantly reduced, and our environment is cleaner and safer,” he said.
He, however, warned that the gains could be reversed if the initiative is not sustained.
“This progress is not irreversible. If the right things are not sustained, we may return to the days of pollution and insecurity,” he cautioned.
Some of the monarchs, in separate remarks, praised the company’s performance, particularly its role in restoring livelihoods and creating employment opportunities for youths.
“One of the greatest impacts is that our people can now return to fishing and farming. Our rivers are cleaner, and our environment is safer,” one monarch said.
Another added, “Many of our youths are now employed as security personnel, which has reduced restiveness in our communities.”
The monarchs also called for improved communication between Tantita and traditional institutions.
“There must be continuous engagement with traditional rulers. This is the first major meeting since 2022, and such interactions should be regular to address issues and clear misconceptions,” one of them said.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by both the monarchs and Tantita to sustain collaboration in protecting critical national assets and promoting development in the Niger Delta.
