NIGER DELTA STAKEHOLDERS URGE FG TO NAME TANTITA SOLE CONTRACTOR FOR OIL PIPELINE SURVEILLANCE

A group of stakeholders in the Niger Delta has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to designate Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited as the sole contractor responsible for the surveillance of oil pipelines and other critical national assets in the region. The appeal extends to securing offshore facilities, with proponents arguing that the company has demonstrated unmatched competence.

In a joint statement, Amb. Fred Igere JP and Chief Williams Tortor, speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, emphasized that the protection of oil infrastructure is a matter of national importance that should transcend ethnic considerations. They expressed disapproval of recent attacks against the security firm, highlighting its contributions beyond its core mandate.

The stakeholders questioned the motives behind the criticism, pointing to Tantita’s record of community development. “Has any pipeline surveillance contractor before now achieved or done what Tantita is doing in terms of empowering businesses, involving more youths by creating more jobs, and building infrastructures for various institutions across the country?” they asked rhetorically, framing the firm’s work as an unprecedented contribution to national development.

According to the statement, the opposition to Tantita’s role is being fueled by individuals who are envious of its success and fearful of losing their own influence. Amb. Igere and Chief Tortor alleged that these detractors are sponsoring protests aimed at forcing the government to divide the surveillance contract among multiple parties. They warned those participating in such demonstrations against being used as tools by “enemies of progress,” cautioning that it would portray them as “shallow minded.”

The stakeholders posed a series of questions to the protesters, urging them to consider the broader context. “Those that are allowing themselves to be used to protest against Tantita, are they aware that securing oil pipelines is a national issue and not a local one? Do they know the history behind this current option that the government, having tried other alternatives and failed, settled for, because it is producing positive results?”

In light of what they describe as the company’s proven capacity, the group is urging the federal government to not only ignore the protests but to expand Tantita’s portfolio. “We are calling as well as urging the federal government to expand the surveillance scope of Tantita to include offshore surveillance of national assets as the company is more than capable to do the job,” the statement read.

The stakeholders concluded their appeal by urging national leaders to prioritize competence over ethnic sentiments when making critical decisions. “Also, if this country is to move forward, the time has come for its national leaders to base their decisions on competence, not subject such to ethnic affiliations or sentiments. He, who the cap fits, should wear it, and High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo, the Chairman of Tantita, is a leader that everyone knows the cap fits,” they added.