The Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide has urged the Federal Government to sustain the progress achieved in pipeline security across the Niger Delta, while praising the performance of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited since it was awarded the surveillance contract.
Speaking at a press briefing in Warri, Delta State, the council’s spokesman, Binebai Princewill, called on the administration of Bola Tinubu to remain resolute and avoid being influenced by what it described as coordinated campaigns by individuals acting against national interest.
The group maintained that demands from certain quarters to decentralise the pipeline surveillance contract currently managed by Tantita lack sincerity and patriotism.
It warned that such proposals are deliberate efforts to disrupt the progress already recorded and potentially reintroduce instability.
“The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide makes it abundantly clear that any individual or group criticising Tompolo and Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, despite the enormous sacrifices and contributions made toward national stability and economic recovery, is acting on their own accord.
“Such actions neither reflect the collective will nor carry the mandate of the Ijaw people or the broader Niger Delta region,” the council stated.
The IYC further advised proponents of decentralisation to focus on productive ventures, noting that there are many opportunities within the Nigerian economy where they can contribute meaningfully.
“They should seek areas where they can key in productively, rather than distracting Nigerians with baseless and self-serving demands that do not advance national interest,” it added.
The council emphasised that no individual or group should be allowed to undermine what it described as the significant achievements recorded by Tantita in tackling oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
It recalled that before the engagement of Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and the involvement of Tantita in the surveillance contract, Nigeria faced severe economic setbacks due to widespread crude oil theft, illegal refining, and pipeline sabotage.
According to the council, the situation had reached a critical stage, threatening national revenue and placing immense strain on the economy.
However, it noted that with Tantita’s intervention under Tompolo’s leadership, there has been a significant turnaround, with reduced oil theft, improved production levels, and renewed confidence in the security of oil and gas infrastructure.
“These achievements are evident and verifiable. The pipeline surveillance contract under Tompolo’s leadership has been inclusive and beneficial, carrying along stakeholders across the Niger Delta region, cutting across ethnic, community, and state lines.
“Thousands of Niger Deltans have been gainfully employed, thereby reducing restiveness and promoting peace in the region,” the IYC said.
The council added that Tantita’s expertise, experience, and grassroots intelligence network remain unmatched, stressing that retaining Tompolo in overseeing oil and gas facility protection offers strategic value to the Federal Government.
It cautioned that any move to alter the current arrangement without considering its successes could lead to avoidable setbacks.
While acknowledging that other firms are also involved in pipeline surveillance in the Niger Delta, the IYC insisted that Tantita’s structure already reflects inclusiveness, with participation from various communities and states.
It therefore described agitation for inclusion as unnecessary, stating that the company has maintained an inclusive approach since the contract began.
Beyond pipeline security, the council highlighted Tantita’s contributions to peace-building, environmental restoration through reduced oil spills, and youth empowerment via employment opportunities.
The IYC urged the Federal Government to consider expanding and institutionalising the contract with Tantita, describing the company as reliable, proven, and results-driven.
“In light of the foregoing, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide hereby passes a vote of confidence on Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and its leadership.
“We affirm that Tantita has operated responsibly over the years and remains a tested and trusted company with a proven track record of excellence.
“We reiterate that Tompolo remains well-positioned for this critical assignment, and his leadership continues to deliver tangible results.
“We therefore call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to remain focused, protect the integrity of the existing framework, and resist any pressure that may jeopardise the progress recorded so far,” the council added.
