The Media Consultant to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, has said the company’s pipeline surveillance operations have played a significant role in boosting Nigeria’s crude oil production, protecting critical oil infrastructure and creating employment opportunities for thousands of youths across the Niger Delta.
Bebenimibo, who also serves as Special Adviser to the Chairman of Tantita Security Services, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, stated this while speaking on the sidelines of the presentation of an award to the company by Blueprint Newspapers in recognition of its contributions to pipeline security and national development.
He described the award as a testament to Tantita’s impact in combating crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other illegal activities that had for years undermined Nigeria’s oil industry and reduced national revenue.
According to him, since Tantita commenced pipeline surveillance operations in 2022, the company has recorded remarkable success in securing oil pipelines and critical petroleum infrastructure across the Niger Delta.
“Over the years, awards have continued to come our way, and that shows that Tantita is delivering on its mandate of protecting Nigeria’s oil assets,” Bebenimibo said.
He noted that the improved security of oil facilities had also restored confidence in many oil-producing communities, creating a safer environment for legitimate economic activities such as fishing, farming and small-scale businesses to thrive once again.
Bebenimibo said Tantita remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s drive to increase crude oil production to about 2.5 million barrels per day, stressing that effective protection of pipelines and oil facilities is essential to achieving that national target.
He attributed much of the company’s success to the leadership of Tompolo, whose extensive knowledge of the Niger Delta terrain, waterways and host communities has helped shape an effective surveillance strategy for safeguarding oil infrastructure.
According to him, Tantita has also invested in modern surveillance technology, including drones, to monitor remote locations and detect illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism in real time.
“We have deployed drones that are capable of detecting illegal activities taking place in the creeks, making it increasingly difficult for oil thieves and vandals to operate,” he said.
Beyond its security mandate, Bebenimibo said the company has made youth empowerment a major component of its operations as a strategy for reducing insecurity and discouraging involvement in oil theft and related crimes.
He disclosed that Tantita currently employs more than 60,000 youths from communities across the Niger Delta, all of whom receive monthly remuneration through the company’s surveillance operations.
The media consultant added that the company also runs skills acquisition programmes and provides grants and other forms of economic support to youths, women and members of host communities to promote entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.
“Tantita is not only providing jobs for young people; it is equipping them with skills and supporting their businesses through grants and other empowerment initiatives,” he said.
He maintained that the combination of employment, skills development and community empowerment had contributed significantly to reducing criminal activities in many parts of the Niger Delta.
Bebenimibo also highlighted Tantita’s growing partnership with the media, describing journalists as critical stakeholders in promoting transparency and communicating the company’s contributions to national development.
He revealed that Tantita had constructed a Correspondents’ Secretariat for journalists in Delta State and plans were underway to replicate similar facilities in other Niger Delta states, as well as establish a national media centre for journalists.
According to him, the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to fostering a stronger relationship with the media and ensuring accurate reporting of its activities and achievements.
He stressed that Tantita’s security model goes beyond enforcement by creating legitimate economic opportunities for local communities while safeguarding national assets.
Bebenimibo expressed confidence that stronger collaboration among security agencies, oil companies, host communities, the media and private surveillance contractors would further enhance the protection of Nigeria’s oil infrastructure, increase crude oil production and strengthen the nation’s revenue base.
