Traditional rulers in Delta State, across the major ethnic nationalities, have endorsed Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited for the continued surveillance of oil pipelines, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to renew and expand the company’s contract.
The position was contained in a communiqué issued after a meeting of monarchs from Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko and Ndokwa ethnic groups, held on Monday at the palace of HRM Dr. Emmanuel E. Sideso in Uvwie Local Government Area.
The official resolution, signed on behalf of over 50 traditional rulers, expressed confidence in the company’s performance, citing improvements in security across the Niger Delta.
“We express deep appreciation and profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for awarding the pipeline surveillance contract to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd,” the monarchs said.
They noted that the company’s operations have led to a decline in crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, kidnapping, sea piracy and other forms of criminality.
“There has been a reduction in criminality on all fronts,” the statement added.
The monarchs also linked the improved security situation to increased oil production and environmental recovery in the region.
“It has bolstered the economy of the country and improved both aquatic and terrestrial habitats due to reduced pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering,” they said.
According to the traditional rulers, Nigeria’s oil output has risen to about 1.8 million barrels per day, with increased gas production contributing to renewed investor confidence.
They, however, opposed calls for the decentralisation of the surveillance contract, warning that such a move could undermine existing gains.
“We condemn the call for decentralisation of the Tantita contract. Our findings show that the contract is already decentralised,” the communiqué stated. The monarchs called on the Federal Government to sustain the current arrangement.
“We appeal to Mr. President to renew and expand the scope of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd to ensure continued peace and stability in the region.”
Speaking at the meeting, a representative of the company, Barrister Emmanuel Jakpa, described the support of traditional rulers as critical to safeguarding national assets. “This is a national service because it concerns the security of the most valuable assets in our nation’s economy,” he said.
Jakpa said Nigeria’s oil production had dropped to about 700,000 barrels per day before the contract was awarded in 2022, but has since rebounded significantly, with recovery levels now estimated between 97 and 99 per cent.
He also pointed to environmental improvements, including reduced soot pollution across communities, but warned that the gains could be reversed if support is withdrawn.
“If the right things are not sustained, we may return to the days of pollution and insecurity,” he said. Some monarchs at the meeting also highlighted the impact of the initiative on local livelihoods, noting that cleaner waterways have enabled a return to fishing and farming, while youth engagement has helped reduce restiveness.
They called for sustained collaboration between Tantita and traditional institutions to consolidate the gains achieved.
