By Lucky Uto
Traditional rulers from Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko and Ndokwa areas of Delta State have endorsed Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd for the pipeline surveillance contract, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to renew and expand the deal.
The monarchs made their position known after a meeting held on Monday at the palace of the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM Dr. Emmanuel Sideso.
In a communiqué signed by their leaders, the royal fathers praised the Federal Government for awarding the contract to Tantita, noting that the company has improved security in the Niger Delta.
They said activities such as oil theft, illegal bunkering, kidnapping and sea piracy have reduced significantly since Tantita began operations.
According to them, the improved security has boosted Nigeria’s oil production to about 1.8 million barrels per day and helped protect the environment.
The monarchs warned against calls to decentralise the contract, stressing that the current structure is already inclusive and effective.
They appealed to President Tinubu to renew and expand the contract to sustain the gains recorded.
A representative of Tantita, Barrister Emmanuel Jakpa, thanked the traditional rulers for their support, saying it is vital to national security.
He explained that oil production was around 700,000 barrels per day before the contract was awarded in 2022, but has now recovered significantly.
Jakpa also said pollution has reduced and communities are becoming safer.
Some monarchs at the meeting commended Tantita for creating jobs and restoring livelihoods, especially in fishing and farming.
However, they called for better communication between the company and traditional institutions.
The meeting ended with a joint commitment to continue working together to protect oil facilities and maintain peace in the Niger Delta.
