By Lucky Uto
The Convener of the Niger Delta Youth Peace Dialogue and former Vice President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), South-South Zone, Amb. (Engr.) Peremene Raphael Fuludu, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining the pipeline surveillance contract with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, describing the move as a major factor in stabilizing Nigeria’s economy and sustaining peace in the Niger Delta.
Fuludu, who is also a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC), made the commendation on Friday while speaking from the United Kingdom, where he noted that the engagement of Tantita Security Services has significantly improved security around oil and gas facilities in the region.
He stated that the relative peace currently enjoyed by government agencies, multinational oil companies and foreign investors operating in the Niger Delta is closely linked to the operations of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, owned by prominent Niger Delta leader, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
According to him, the security firm has played a critical role in curbing oil theft, protecting vital oil infrastructure and restoring confidence among stakeholders in the oil-producing region.
Fuludu further noted that Tantita’s corporate social responsibility initiatives have addressed many of the resolutions reached during the last Niger Delta Youth Peace Dialogue Conference held in Warri, which brought together youth leaders, ex-agitators and other key stakeholders from across the region.
He also commended the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief (Engr.) Kestin Ebimorbowei Pondi, for creating employment opportunities for thousands of Niger Delta youths through the company’s operations.
According to him, the engagement of local youths by the firm has significantly reduced restiveness and poverty in the region, while also providing a sense of ownership in the protection of critical national assets.
Fuludu stressed that the company’s efforts in safeguarding oil and gas pipelines and combating illegal oil bunkering have contributed immensely to improving Nigeria’s crude oil production and boosting government revenue.
He described those calling for the termination of the pipeline surveillance contract with Tantita as enemies of national progress, arguing that the company’s operations have helped increase the country’s daily crude oil production to about two million barrels per day.
Reaffirming his confidence in the company, Fuludu described Tantita Security Services as one of the most effective pipeline surveillance outfits in Nigeria, particularly in protecting oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta.
He therefore urged President Tinubu and the Federal Government to sustain and strengthen their partnership with the firm in order to ensure continued protection of critical national assets, maintain peace in the Niger Delta and further stabilize the nation’s economy.
