Traditional rulers drawn from Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko and Ndokwa ethnic nationalities in Delta State have jointly appealed to President Bola Tinubu to renew and expand the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd, citing its significant impact on security and economic stability in the Niger Delta.
The appeal was contained in an open letter issued at the end of an enlarged meeting of the monarchs held on Monday at the Royal Palace of Emmanuel E. Sideso, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom in Delta State.
The monarchs also used the occasion to felicitate President Tinubu on his 74th birthday, wishing him continued strength and success in office.
In the letter, the traditional rulers expressed profound appreciation to the President for awarding the critical pipeline surveillance contract to Tantita Security Services, noting that the decision has yielded measurable gains across the region.
“We sincerely commend Mr. President for finding Tantita Security Services worthy of this strategic national assignment. The results on ground clearly justify that decision,” the monarchs stated.
They highlighted a marked reduction in criminal activities, including illegal oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism (kpofire), kidnapping, sea piracy, armed robbery, and youth restiveness.
According to them, the improved security environment has contributed to greater peace and stability in host communities.
“There has been a drastic decline in criminality across the Niger Delta. Communities that were once flashpoints are now experiencing relative peace and economic revival,” the royal fathers noted.
The monarchs further stressed that the firm’s operations have positively impacted Nigeria’s economy, with oil production reportedly rising to about 1.8 million barrels per day, alongside increased gas output.
They added that this growth has enhanced foreign direct investment inflows into the country.
“The steady rise in oil and gas production, now averaging about 1.8 million barrels per day, is a testament to the effectiveness of the surveillance architecture currently in place,” they added.
Beyond economic gains, the traditional rulers emphasised environmental benefits, pointing to improved aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems resulting from reduced oil spills and pipeline destruction previously linked to illegal activities.
“Our environment is gradually recovering. The reduction in illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism has significantly improved both aquatic and terrestrial habitats,” the statement read.
The royal fathers also addressed ongoing debates around the structure of the surveillance contract, rejecting calls for its decentralisation.
They maintained that the contract is already decentralised, with various contractors handling surveillance responsibilities across different ethnic nationalities.
“Calls for decentralisation are misplaced. Our findings confirm that the contract is already spread across different stakeholders and ethnic nationalities,” they said.
Reaffirming their stance, the monarchs passed a vote of confidence in Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd, commending the company’s “unwavering commitment and enthusiasm” in safeguarding national assets.
They concluded by urging President Tinubu to not only renew but expand the scope of the contract, stressing that such a move would further boost oil and gas production while consolidating peace and security in the Niger Delta and the country at large.
“We therefore appeal to Mr. President to renew and expand this contract. Doing so will sustain the gains recorded and further enhance peace, stability and economic growth in the region and beyond,” the monarchs concluded.
