EFFURUN— Traditional rulers from Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko, and Ndokwa communities in Delta State have given their full support to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to renew and expand the company’s pipeline surveillance contract.
The endorsement came after a large meeting of monarchs on Monday at the palace of HRM Dr Emmanuel E. Sideso, OON, JP, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, where leaders discussed the company’s impact on regional security and economic stability. The rulers highlighted Tantita’s role in reducing criminal activity around pipelines and improving local livelihoods.
During the meeting, the monarchs also reviewed security data showing a sharp drop in oil theft, illegal bunkering, and other criminal activities since the contract began. They stressed that maintaining and expanding Tantita’s operations is crucial for continued progress in the Niger Delta.
The communique issued was signed on behalf of the 50 traditional rulers present by HRM Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso Abe I, JP, OON, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom and Chairman, Urhobo Traditional Rulers Council; HRM (Capt) King Joseph I, Timiya JP, PhD, Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha Kingdom and Chairman, Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum; the Odio-Ologbo of Onokoko Kingdom and Chairman, Ndokwa Traditional Rulers Council; the Ovie of Uzere, HRM Isaac Udogri JP, Chairman, Isoko Traditional Rulers Forum; and HRM King Monday Obukowho Whiskey, JP, PhD, Odurhie I, Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, Spokesperson for Urhobo Traditional Council.
In an open letter to the President, the monarchs praised Tantita for delivering “measurable results” in securing oil and gas infrastructure, noting that its efforts have helped Nigeria’s economy and environment.
“There has been a reduction in criminality on all fronts, including illegal bunkering, crude oil theft, kidnapping, sea piracy, armed robbery, and youth restiveness,” the communique stated.
They also emphasised that Nigeria’s oil production has risen to about 1.8 million barrels per day, with gas output increasing as well—factors that have attracted more foreign investment to the region.
The traditional rulers opposed calls to decentralise the pipeline surveillance contract, warning that fragmenting the work could undo the progress made. They called on President Tinubu to renew and expand Tantita’s mandate.
Barrister Emmanuel Jakpa, representing Tantita, thanked the monarchs for their backing, describing their support as “critical to national security.” He noted that before the contract in 2022, Nigeria’s oil production had fallen to about 700,000 barrels per day due to crude theft, but recovery levels are now between 97 and 99 per cent.
Jakpa also highlighted improvements in environmental conditions across the Niger Delta. “Communities that were heavily polluted with soot are now seeing cleaner air and water. Fishing and farming can resume safely,” he said.
Monarchs added that Tantita’s work has created employment for youths and reduced restiveness. “Many of our youths are now employed as security personnel, which has helped stabilise communities,” one ruler said.
The rulers called for more regular communication between Tantita and traditional institutions. “Ongoing engagement with traditional rulers is essential to address challenges and clear misunderstandings,” they said.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to maintain collaboration between Tantita and the monarchs, ensuring continued protection of critical national assets and sustainable development in the Niger Delta. The rulers promised to support the company as long as it continues delivering results for security, the environment, and local communities.
