CSO Urges Tinubu To Sustain Tantita Pipeline Surveillance Contract

A civil society organisation, Creek to Creek Movement, has thrown its weight behind Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) amid calls by some Nigerians for the termination of the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to the firm.

The group, which focuses on environmental awareness, sustainability and due process in the oil and gas sector, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sustain the contract, warning that its termination could reverse the gains recorded in curbing oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.

Recall that in September 2022, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) awarded a pipeline surveillance contract to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, a company linked to former militant leader Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo).

The contract, reportedly worth about ₦4 billion monthly, covers pipeline surveillance across Delta, Ondo, Imo, Rivers, and parts of Bayelsa State.

In a press statement jointly signed by the conveners of the group — Comrade Jefe Abido, Comrade Ajibade Smith, and Comrade Chima Samuel Obririnank — the organisation described those advocating the cancellation of the contract as individuals attempting to sabotage the oil and gas sector for personal interests.

According to the statement, “It has come to our notice that enemies of the current administration and, by extension, Nigeria are scheming to plunge the oil-rich region into another episode of illegal oil bunkering, violence and bloodshed in order to advance their selfish agenda.”

The group noted that criticism of the contract value overlooks the positive impact the surveillance arrangement has had on security and oil production in the Niger Delta.

“To overlook the good work Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited is doing and concentrate only on the value of the contract is nothing but envy, jealousy and plain hatred for the peace and security currently being experienced in the creeks,” the statement read.

The organisation stressed that the continuity of the surveillance contract would help maintain stability in the region and protect Nigeria’s economic interests.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must, as a matter of national security and economic growth, sustain this contract. Even though it was inherited, its continuation will help maintain the peace and calm currently recorded in the Niger Delta region,” the group added.

The Creek to Creek Movement also claimed that pipeline vandalism and environmental pollution have reduced significantly since the surveillance operations began, allowing farmers and fishermen in affected communities to resume their livelihoods.

It further stated that the improved security situation has encouraged foreign investment in the region and created employment opportunities for local residents.

The group therefore called on Nigerians to support President Tinubu and Tantita Security Services to ensure sustained security, increased oil production and economic prosperity for the country.