Delta Monarchs Back Renewal Of Tantita Pipeline Surveillance Contract, Urge Tinubu To Expand Mandate
TRADITIONAL rulers from the Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko and Ndokwa nations in Delta State have endorsed Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd and called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to renew and expand the company’s pipeline surveillance contract.
The endorsement was announced after an enlarged meeting of the monarchs held on Monday at the palace of HRM Dr Emmanuel E. Sideso, OON, JP, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom.
A communiqué issued after the meeting was signed on behalf of 50 traditional rulers by the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom and Chairman of the Urhobo Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso Abe I; the Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha Kingdom and Chairman of the Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum, HRM (Capt.) King Joseph I, Timiya; the Odio-Ologbo of Onokoko Kingdom and Chairman of the Ndokwa Traditional Rulers Council; the Ovie of Uzere Kingdom and Chairman of the Isoko Traditional Rulers Forum, HRM Isaac Udogri; and the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom and spokesperson of the Urhobo Traditional Council, HRM King Monday Obukowho Whiskey.
In an open letter to the President, the monarchs commended the Federal Government for awarding the contract to Tantita, noting that the company has delivered verifiable results in safeguarding oil and gas infrastructure across the Niger Delta.
“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 statement said.
They stated that the firm’s operations have significantly reduced illegal bunkering, crude oil theft, kidnapping, sea piracy, armed robbery and youth restiveness. According to the monarchs, the improved security environment has boosted the economy and enhanced environmental conditions across the region.
“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 added.
The royal fathers noted that Nigeria’s crude oil output has risen to about 1.8 million barrels per day, with gas production also improving—an outcome they said has attracted fresh foreign investment.
They rejected calls for decentralisation of the surveillance contract, warning that such moves could undermine progress already achieved.
“Our findings show that the contract is already decentralised, with different contractors handling various sections across ethnic nationalities,” they stated.
They appealed to the President to renew and widen Tantita’s mandate to sustain peace, improve production levels and reinforce security in the Niger Delta.
Speaking at the meeting, a representative of Tantita, Barrister Emmanuel Jakpa, commended the monarchs for their support, describing their role as crucial to national security.
“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,” he said.
Jakpa recalled that before the contract was awarded in August 2022, Nigeria’s oil production had fallen drastically due to widespread crude theft. He said production now records between 97 and 99 per cent recovery rates.
He added that the company’s work has helped reduce soot pollution and restore cleaner environments in host communities.
“This progress is not irreversible. If the right things are not sustained, we may return to the days of pollution and insecurity,” he cautioned.
Several monarchs also praised Tantita’s impact on livelihoods, noting that fishing and farming activities have resumed as waterways become safer. Others highlighted the employment of youths in surveillance operations, which they said has reduced restiveness.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by traditional rulers and Tantita to strengthen collaboration in safeguarding national assets and promoting development in the Niger Delta.
