A Niger Delta leader, High Chief Wellington Bobo, has called on President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to sustain their support for Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited by ensuring the continuation and possible renewal of the pipeline surveillance contract currently handled by the firm.
Bobo, the Oroupawei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, made the appeal while commending the performance of the company under the leadership of Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, saying its operations had significantly improved the security of oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta.
According to the community leader, the firm has demonstrated strong commitment and efficiency in protecting critical oil and gas facilities across the region, a development he said has contributed to Nigeria’s economic recovery.
He expressed surprise that some individuals and groups were pushing for the termination of the arrangement despite what he described as visible gains recorded in the fight against crude oil theft.
Bobo noted that the activities of the company had helped reduce pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering through intelligence gathering and community-based surveillance operations in oil-producing communities.
He added that improved security around oil facilities had contributed to higher crude oil output and increased national revenue, stressing that the petroleum sector remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy.
The traditional leader also said the surveillance operations had created employment opportunities for thousands of youths in the Niger Delta, helping to curb restiveness, militancy and other criminal activities in the region.
He further explained that the firm’s operations had strengthened cooperation among host communities, security agencies and the Federal Government, allowing quicker intelligence sharing and coordinated responses to threats against oil installations.
Bobo maintained that the company’s deep understanding of the Niger Delta terrain and the trust it enjoys among local communities had enhanced the effectiveness of its operations compared to previous security arrangements.
He warned that discontinuing the contract could reverse the progress made in combating crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, urging the Federal Government and lawmakers to prioritise national interest.
The Niger Delta leader also appealed to stakeholders and residents of the region to support efforts aimed at protecting the nation’s oil assets rather than engaging in actions that could undermine the initiative.
Bobo further commended the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, for what he described as commendable leadership since assuming office.
According to him, Otuaro’s stewardship has brought renewed confidence to the programme and strengthened ongoing peace-building efforts across the Niger Delta.
