Traditional rulers from across Delta State have thrown their weight behind Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, urging President Bola Tinubu to renew and expand the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to the firm.
The endorsement followed a meeting of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council held in Effurun, where monarchs from Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko and Ndokwa ethnic nationalities deliberated on security developments in the Niger Delta region.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the royal fathers expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for awarding the contract to Tantita, describing the decision as impactful.
“We express deep appreciation and profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd worthy of the pipeline surveillance contract in the Niger Delta,” the monarchs stated.
The traditional rulers noted that the company’s operations have significantly reduced criminal activities across the region, including oil theft, illegal bunkering, kidnapping and sea piracy.
“There has been a reduction in criminality on all fronts… including illegal bunkering, crude oil theft, kidnapping and sea piracy,” they said.
They added that the improved security situation has positively impacted Nigeria’s economy and the environment, stressing that reduced pipeline vandalism has enhanced both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
According to the monarchs, oil production has increased to about 1.8 million barrels per day, attracting greater foreign investment and strengthening national revenue.
The council also opposed calls for decentralisation of the surveillance contract, maintaining that the current structure has been effective.
“We condemn the call for decentralisation… our findings show that the contract is already decentralised,” the communiqué added.
The monarchs appealed to the President to sustain the gains recorded by renewing and expanding the contract’s scope to further boost oil output and maintain peace in the Niger Delta.
“We appeal to Mr. President to renew and expand the scope… to ensure optimum peace and stability in the region,” they stated.
Also speaking, a representative of Tantita, Barrister Emmanuel Jakpa, highlighted the progress made since the contract commenced in 2022, noting a sharp increase in oil production levels.
“When this contract was signed… production was around 700,000 barrels per day. Today, that story has changed completely,” he said.
He further pointed to environmental improvements, stating that pollution levels have dropped significantly, making communities cleaner and safer.
The monarchs reaffirmed their support for Tantita’s operations, noting that the company has created employment opportunities and contributed to stability in the oil-rich region, while calling for sustained collaboration with traditional institutions.
