Tantita Operations Strengthening Security, Oil Production In Niger Delta – Amnesty Leader

The national chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Phase 2, Ibena Rufus Salvation, has called for the renewal of the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services, citing its role in improving security and boosting oil production in the Niger Delta.

Ibena made the call while speaking with journalists in Yenagoa yesterday, noting that the company’s activities have significantly reduced crude oil theft, sea piracy and other criminal activities in the region.

He stated that the surveillance operations conducted by the firm have also contributed to increased oil production and improved the country’s revenue.

According to him, the improvement in oil production and revenue has helped stabilise the economy and supported government finances.

Ibena explained that the company’s work goes beyond pipeline monitoring, adding that it has helped restore security across the Niger Delta by tackling crude oil theft and maritime crimes.

He said, “There is a need for Tantita surveillance contract renewal because of what Tantita has done so far in the Niger Delta region, in terms of employment, in terms of security, in terms of environmental challenges, where they have cleaned up the area, and the revenue impact they have made in Nigeria as a country.

“The president can now hit his chest and say that no government will borrow before making payment on the state’s salary. All these are very true, and it is as a result of what Tantita is doing.

“So Tantita is not just doing a pipeline surveillance job, but they are also doing security in the Niger Delta region, helping with insecurity, pipeline, crude oil theft, and sea piracy.”

Ibena also highlighted the employment opportunities created through the surveillance operations, noting that thousands of people across oil-producing communities are currently engaged.

He said the jobs provided by the company have helped many families and reduced youth involvement in illegal activities in the region.

“Over 40,000 persons have been employed across the Niger Delta, both men and women. What the government, the state government cannot do.

“People should look beyond pipeline surveillance, because they are putting food on the table of over 40,000 families. And they are also stopping criminality in the region, where sea piracy is totally off in the Niger Delta region,” he said.

The Phase 2 national leader also dismissed calls by some groups demanding that the surveillance contract be divided among different states, insisting that the company already operates across the Niger Delta and engages people from the various communities.

He noted that before the introduction of Tantita, other contractors had handled pipeline surveillance but failed to achieve similar results.

Ibena therefore urged stakeholders to support the renewal of the contract, stressing that the company’s work has contributed to improved security, economic stability and development in the Niger Delta.

He said, “So those who are saying they should share it, or give it state by state, it is needless. Because Tantita is not only doing it alone, but they have gone to employ everybody in the country, where oil facilities are located.”

“Before Tantita other contractors like Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, were doing the same job but couldn’t do what Tantita is doing today. Whereas, these are companies that have been doing this job, even before Tantita was introduced.”