Delta monarchs, Tantita, Tinubu,
By Akpos Oghenetega, Traditional rulers from Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko and Ndokwa ethnic nationalities in Delta State have thrown their weight behind Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to renew and expand its pipeline surveillance contract.The endorsement followed an enlarged meeting of over 50 monarchs held on Monday at the palace of Emmanuel E. Sideso, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, where the royal fathers commended the company’s performance in securing oil and gas infrastructure across the Niger Delta.
In a communiqué signed by top traditional rulers across the four ethnic blocs, the monarchs expressed “deep appreciation and profound gratitude” to President Tinubu for "finding Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd worthy of the pipeline surveillance contract in the Niger Delta."
They credited the firm with drastically reducing insecurity in the region, stating: “There has been a reduction in criminality on all fronts, including illegal bunkering, crude oil theft, kidnapping, sea piracy, armed robbery and youth restiveness.”
According to the monarchs, the improved security has had a direct positive impact on Nigeria’s economy and environment. “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.
They further revealed that Nigeria’s oil production has risen to about 1.8 million barrels per day, with increased gas output and renewed investor confidence attributed to the relative stability in the region.
The royal fathers, however, firmly rejected calls for decentralisation of the contract, warning that such a move could undermine the gains 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,” they stated.
They appealed to the Federal Government to sustain and expand the initiative, adding: “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.”
Speaking at the meeting, a company representative, Barrister Emmanuel Jakpa, described the support of traditional rulers as vital to national security, noting that the protection of oil infrastructure directly impacts Nigeria’s economic survival.
“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 before the contract was awarded in August 2022, Nigeria’s oil production had dropped to about 700,000 barrels per day due to widespread crude oil theft, but it has since rebounded significantly.
“When this contract was signed in August 2022, production was around 700,000 barrels per day. Today, that story has changed completely, with recovery levels now between 97 and 99 per cent,” he stated.
Jakpa also highlighted environmental improvements across the Niger Delta, noting a sharp decline in pollution. “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 added, while cautioning that the gains could be reversed if support is withdrawn.
Several monarchs, in separate remarks, underscored the socio-economic benefits of the initiative, particularly in restoring livelihoods and reducing youth restiveness.
“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,” a monarch said.
Another added: “Many of our youths are now employed as security personnel, which has reduced restiveness in our communities.”
Despite the commendations, the traditional rulers called for stronger engagement between the company and traditional institutions. “There must be continuous engagement with traditional rulers… such interactions should be regular to address issues and clear misconceptions,” one of them noted.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by both the monarchs and Tantita to sustain collaboration in protecting critical national assets and promoting peace and development in the Niger Delta.
