EFFURUN/Nigeria: Traditional rulers drawn from Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko and Ndokwa ethnic nationalities in Delta State have thrown their weight behind Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to renew and expand the firm’s pipeline surveillance contract.
The monarchs made their position known on Monday after an enlarged meeting held at the palace of the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM Dr. Emmanuel E. Sideso, OON, JP.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and endorsed by about 50 traditional rulers, the royal fathers expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for awarding the contract to Tantita, noting that the company has recorded measurable successes in securing oil and gas assets in the Niger Delta.
The communiqué was jointly signed by HRM Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso Abe I, JP, OON, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom and Chairman of the Urhobo Traditional Rulers Council; HRM (Capt.) King Joseph Timiyan I, JP, PhD, Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha Kingdom and Chairman of the Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum; the Odio-Ologbo of Onokoko Kingdom and Chairman of the Ndokwa Traditional Rulers Council; HRM Isaac Udogri, JP, Ovie of Uzere and Chairman of the Isoko Traditional Rulers Forum; as well as HRM King Monday Obukowho Whiskey, JP, PhD, Odurhie I, Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom and spokesperson of the Urhobo Traditional Rulers Council.
Addressing President Tinubu in an open letter, the monarchs commended the administration for finding Tantita worthy of the critical assignment, stressing that the company’s intervention has significantly curtailed 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 monarchs stated.
They added that the improved security architecture has not only strengthened Nigeria’s economy but also enhanced environmental conditions across the Niger Delta.
“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, noting that oil production has risen to about 1.8 million barrels per day, with a corresponding increase in gas output and renewed foreign direct investment inflows.
The traditional rulers, however, rejected calls in some quarters for the decentralisation of the pipeline surveillance contract, warning that such a move could undermine the gains already recorded.
“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,” the communiqué read.
They appealed to the President to not only renew the contract but also expand its scope to consolidate the progress achieved.
“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,” they added.
Speaking at the meeting, a representative of Tantita, Barrister Emmanuel Jakpa, lauded the monarchs for their continued support, describing their role as vital to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic backbone.
“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 prior to the award of the contract in August 2022, Nigeria’s oil production had plummeted to about 700,000 barrels per day due to rampant crude oil theft, but has since rebounded significantly.
“Today, that story has changed completely, with recovery levels now between 97 and 99 per cent,” he stated.
Jakpa further noted that Tantita’s operations have contributed to cleaner environmental conditions across host communities.
“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, while cautioning that the gains could be reversed if sustained support is withdrawn.
“This progress is not irreversible. If the right things are not sustained, we may return to the days of pollution and insecurity,” he warned.
In separate remarks, several monarchs commended the firm’s impact on local livelihoods, particularly in reviving fishing and farming activities and creating employment 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 royal fathers, however, stressed the need for improved communication between Tantita and traditional institutions, calling for more regular engagement.
“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,” a monarch noted.The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by both the traditional rulers and Tantita to strengthen collaboration in protecting critical national assets and sustaining development in the Niger Delta.
