- Itsekiri leaders back Tantita pipeline surveillance contract
- Group condemns revocation calls, labels agitators self-serving
- Stakeholders credit contract with improved Niger Delta security
Leaders from Itsekiri communities have expressed strong support for the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, describing calls for its revocation as “self-serving” and potentially destabilising.
In a statement issued on March 31, 2026, and addressed to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the coordinators dismissed those opposing the contract as impostors who do not represent the broader interests of the Niger Delta.
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“We strongly and unequivocally condemn the actions of certain individuals parading themselves as leaders of the Niger Delta while calling for the revocation of the Tantita pipeline surveillance contract,” the statement read.
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“We make it clear that these agitators do not represent the interests of the people but are driven by selfish motives and personal gain.”
The group commended the Federal Government for renewing the contract, describing the move as a clear commitment to safeguarding critical oil and gas infrastructure.
They also endorsed the leadership of Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, noting that he has demonstrated the capacity to deliver on the mandate.
“High Chief Government Ekpemupolo… has proven himself to be the most capable and reliable leader for this critical national assignment,” the coordinators stated.
According to the group, the operational framework of Tantita reflects inclusivity, with participation from various ethnic groups and communities across the Niger Delta. They added that community-based coordinators and contractors have been engaged to ensure accountability and effective supervision.
The coordinators further credited the firm’s activities with enhancing security and environmental stability in the region, citing a reduction in oil theft and criminal activities along waterways.
“Tantita’s operations have brought significant improvements to security and environmental stability across the Niger Delta waterways,” the statement added.
Warning against attempts to cancel or decentralise the contract, the group argued that such moves could undermine the relative peace currently enjoyed in the region. They also alleged that some critics were previously involved in illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism.
“It is important to note that many of those behind these calls are individuals previously involved in pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering activities… Their intentions are self-serving,” the statement said.
Reaffirming their stance, the leaders stressed that the surveillance contract should not be viewed as a regional entitlement but as a national responsibility assigned to a capable organisation.
“Let it be clearly stated that the pipeline surveillance contract is not a regional entitlement or ‘Niger Delta slot,’ but a responsibility entrusted by the Federal Government to a competent and capable organisation,” they added.
They urged critics to seek legitimate avenues for engagement rather than undermine what they described as a system delivering tangible results, while reiterating their commitment to sustaining peace and development across the Niger Delta.
