Delta Monarchs Back Tantita, Seek Contract Renewal

Traditional rulers from Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko, and Ndokwa ethnic nationalities in Delta State have endorsed Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd for the pipeline surveillance contract, urging Bola Ahmed Tinubu to renew and expand its mandate.

The endorsement followed an enlarged meeting held in Effurun at the palace of HRM Dr. Emmanuel E. Sideso, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, where over 50 monarchs converged to deliberate on security in the Niger Delta.

In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the monarchs commended the Federal Government for awarding the contract to Tantita, stating: “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,”

They noted that the company’s operations have led to a sharp decline in criminal activities, adding: “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 situation has boosted Nigeria’s economy and environmental conditions. “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 oil production has risen to about 1.8 million barrels per day, attracting increased foreign investment, while cautioning against calls for decentralisation of the contract.

“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,” the statement added.

The monarchs appealed to the President to sustain the gains recorded, stating: “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 Tantita representative, Barrister Emmanuel Jakpa, said the contract has significantly improved oil production since 2022. “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.

He also highlighted environmental improvements, noting: “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,”

The monarchs also praised the company for creating employment opportunities and restoring livelihoods, while calling for stronger engagement with traditional institutions to sustain peace and development in the Niger Delta.