Traditional rulers from Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko and Ndokwa extractions in Delta State on Monday endorsed Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd for the pipeline surveillance contract, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to renew and expand its mandate.
The endorsement followed an enlarged meeting of monarchs held at the palace of the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM Dr. Emmanuel E. Sideso.
In an open letter to the President, the royal fathers commended the Federal Government for awarding the contract to Tantita, noting that the firm had recorded measurable success in safeguarding oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta.
They said the company’s operations had led to a significant reduction in criminal activities, including illegal bunkering, crude oil theft, kidnapping, sea piracy, armed robbery and youth restiveness.
The monarchs added that the improved security had positively impacted the nation’s economy and environment.
According to them, Nigeria’s oil production has risen to about 1.8 million barrels per day, alongside increased gas output, a development they said had attracted foreign investment.
The traditional rulers, however, opposed calls for the decentralisation of the pipeline surveillance contract, warning that such a move could reverse the gains recorded.
They argued that the contract was already decentralised, with different contractors handling various sections across ethnic nationalities.
The monarchs appealed to the President to renew and expand the scope of the contract to sustain the progress achieved and ensure stability in the region.
Speaking at the meeting, a representative of Tantita, Emmanuel Jakpa, said the support of traditional institutions was critical to protecting Nigeria’s oil assets.
He noted that before the contract was awarded in August 2022, oil production had dropped to about 700,000 barrels per day due to crude oil theft.
Jakpa said production had since improved significantly, with recovery levels now between 97 and 99 per cent.
He also stated that the company’s intervention had reduced soot pollution and improved environmental conditions in host communities.
Jakpa warned that the progress could be reversed if the initiative was not sustained.
Some monarchs at the meeting said the company’s activities had restored livelihoods, enabling residents to return to fishing and farming, while also creating employment opportunities for youths.
They, however, called for improved communication between Tantita and traditional rulers, urging regular engagement to address concerns and strengthen collaboration.
The meeting ended with a commitment by both parties to continue working together to protect critical national assets and promote development in the Niger Delta.
