Traditional rulers from the Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko, and Ndokwa ethnic groups in Delta State have thrown their support behind Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to renew and even expand its pipeline surveillance contract.
This position was reached during a large meeting held in Effurun at the palace of HRM Dr. Emmanuel E. Sideso, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, where more than 50 monarchs gathered to discuss security challenges in the Niger Delta.
In a communiqué released after the meeting, the monarchs praised the Federal Government for awarding the contract to Tantita. They expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting the company with the responsibility, noting that its operations have significantly reduced criminal activities across the region. According to them, incidents such as illegal bunkering, crude oil theft, kidnapping, sea piracy, armed robbery, and youth unrest have all declined.
They added that the improved security situation has had a positive impact on both the economy and the environment, pointing out that reduced pipeline vandalism and illegal oil activities have helped restore aquatic and land ecosystems. The monarchs also stated that oil production has increased to about 1.8 million barrels per day, attracting more foreign investment. However, they warned against any attempt to decentralise the contract.
The traditional rulers appealed to the President to build on the progress already made by renewing and expanding Tantita’s role, emphasizing that this would further boost oil and gas production while maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Speaking at the meeting, a representative of Tantita, Barrister Emmanuel Jakpa, said the contract has greatly improved oil output since it began in August 2022. He explained that production has risen from about 700,000 barrels per day to recovery levels of between 97 and 99 percent. He also pointed to environmental improvements, noting that soot pollution, once widespread in many communities, has significantly reduced, making the environment cleaner and safer.
The monarchs further commended the company for creating jobs and helping to restore livelihoods, while urging stronger collaboration with traditional institutions to sustain peace and development in the Niger Delta.
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