Tantita Contract: 50 Delta Monarchs Unite, Endorse Pipeline Surveillance Firm, Beg Tinubu for Renewal, Expansion

EFFURUN — In a powerful show of unity, no fewer than 50 traditional rulers from the 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 the firm’s pipeline surveillance contract.

The monarchs, speaking through a communique issued after an enlarged meeting on Monday at the palace of HRM Dr. Emmanuel E. Sideso, OON, JP, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, declared that Tantita has delivered measurable results and warned against any attempt to decentralize the contract

Full Endorsement from Delta Traditional Rulers

The communique was signed by the leadership of the four traditional councils:

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What the Monarchs Told President Tinubu

In an open letter to the President, the traditional rulers expressed deep gratitude for awarding the pipeline surveillance contract to Tantita, stating that the firm has delivered measurable results in securing oil and gas infrastructure.

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“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 said.

They noted that the firm’s operations have led to a significant reduction in criminal activities across the region, including:

• Illegal bunkering

• Crude oil theft

• Kidnapping

• Sea piracy

• Armed robbery

• Youth restiveness

Economic and Environmental Gains

The traditional rulers further stated that the improved security situation has positively impacted Nigeria’s economy and the 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.

According to the monarchs, Nigeria’s oil production has increased to about 1.8 million barrels per day, with gas output also rising—a development they said has attracted more foreign direct investment.

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Monarchs Oppose Decentralization Calls

In a strong warning, the traditional rulers condemned calls for the decentralization of the pipeline surveillance contract, cautioning that such a move could reverse 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 President to renew and expand the scope of the contract to sustain the progress achieved.

“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,” they said

Tantita Speaks: From 700,000 to 1.8 Million Barrels Per Day

Speaking at the meeting, a representative of Tantita, Barrister Emmanuel Jakpa, commended the monarchs for their support, describing it as critical 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,” Jakpa said.

He disclosed that prior to the award of the contract in 2022, Nigeria’s oil production had dropped significantly due to crude oil theft.

“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 added that the company’s intervention has improved environmental conditions in the Niger Delta.

“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 said.

He warned that the progress made could be reversed if support for the initiative is withdrawn.

“This progress is not irreversible. If the right things are not sustained, we may return to the days of pollution and insecurity,” he cautioned.

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Monarchs: Employment, Livelihoods Restored

In their separate remarks, some monarchs praised Tantita’s performance, particularly its role in restoring livelihoods and creating employment opportunities for youths.

“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 traditional ruler noted that the company had engaged many youths in surveillance operations.

“Many of our youths are now employed as security personnel, which has reduced restiveness in our communities,” he said

Call for Regular Engagement

However, the monarchs called for improved communication between Tantita and traditional institutions.

“There must be continuous engagement with traditional rulers. This is the first major meeting since 2022, and such interactions should be regular to address issues and clear misconceptions,” one of them added.

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What This Means

The unified endorsement from 50 monarchs across four ethnic nationalities sends a powerful signal to the Presidency. With oil production now at 1.8 million barrels per day—up from a low of 700,000 barrels before Tantita’s intervention—the traditional rulers have made it clear: the gains are too significant to jeopardize.

The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by both the monarchs and Tantita to sustain collaboration in protecting critical national assets and promoting development in the Niger Delta.

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