By Lucky Uto
Leaders of the First Phase ex-agitators in the Niger Delta have urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ignore calls for the cancellation of the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSNL) and instead renew and expand the agreement.
The call was made on Thursday during a world press conference held in Udu, Delta State, by the Niger Delta Ex-Agitators’ Forum.
Speaking on behalf of the group, National President General Aroni Oputu said the contract handled by Tantita, owned by High Chief Government Ekpemukplo (Tompolo), has helped restore stability in the Niger Delta and improve Nigeria’s oil production.
Oputu said attempts by some groups to push for the cancellation of the contract were politically motivated and aimed at destabilizing the region.
According to him, the pipeline surveillance arrangement has reduced pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering while providing jobs for thousands of youths across oil-producing communities.
The forum, which represents leaders from the nine oil-producing states, described critics of the contract as “conflict merchants” trying to drag the region back to the era of insecurity in the creeks.
In a statement signed by representatives from Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Imo and Abia states, the group insisted that the decision of President Tinubu to sustain the contract has led to noticeable improvements in oil production and investor confidence in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
They noted that under the leadership of Tantita’s Managing Director, Chief Kestin Pondi, and technical partners such as Chief Mathew Tonlagha of Maton Engineering, security around oil facilities has improved significantly.
The ex-agitators also alleged that attacks against Tantita were sponsored by political opponents worried about the growing support for President Tinubu in the Niger Delta ahead of the 2027 elections.
The group therefore called on the President not only to renew the contract but also expand its scope to cover more waterways in the region in order to create more employment opportunities.
They also passed a vote of confidence on the Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Chief Dennis Otuaro, praising him for promoting education and human capital development among former militants.
The forum further urged Niger Deltans to unite and support efforts aimed at sustaining peace and development in the region.
