The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has called on the Federal Government to sustain the gains recorded in pipeline security in the Niger Delta, while commending the operations of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited since it was awarded the pipeline surveillance contract.
The IYC made the call during a press conference addressed by its spokesman, Binebai Princewill, on Friday in Warri, Delta State.
The council urged the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, to remain steadfast and not fall for what it described as gimmicks and orchestrated campaigns by individuals who do not mean well for the country.
According to the IYC, calls from some quarters for the decentralisation of the pipeline surveillance contract currently handled by Tantita are neither genuine nor patriotic.
It stated that such calls were calculated attempts to derail the progress already made and reintroduce instability into the system.
“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 advised those advocating decentralisation of the contract to channel their energies into productive ventures, noting that there are numerous 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 stressed that no individual or group should be allowed to undermine what it described as the measurable achievements recorded by Tantita in the fight against oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
It recalled that before the engagement of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and the subsequent involvement of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited in the pipeline surveillance contract, Nigeria’s economy was adversely affected by high levels of crude oil theft, illegal refining, and pipeline sabotage.
“The situation had reached a critical point, threatening national revenue, while the Nigerian economy was under severe strain.
“However, with the strategic intervention of Tantita under the leadership of Tompolo, there has been a remarkable turnaround. Oil theft has significantly reduced, production levels have improved, and confidence in the security of oil and gas assets has been restored.
“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 further stated that the capacity, experience, and grassroots intelligence network of Tantita could not easily be rivalled, adding that having Tompolo oversee the protection of oil and gas facilities remains a strategic advantage to the Federal Government.
It warned that any attempt to alter the arrangement without due consideration of its achievements could result in avoidable setbacks.
The IYC also noted that Tantita is not the only company involved in pipeline surveillance in the Niger Delta, but maintained that its coordination structure already reflects inclusivity, as individuals from various states and communities are actively engaged under its framework.
It added that agitation for inclusion was therefore unnecessary, as the company has implemented an inclusive model since the inception of the contract.
According to the council, Tantita’s impact extends beyond pipeline protection to peace-building, restoration of aquatic life through reduced oil spills, and economic empowerment of youths through direct and indirect employment.
The IYC stated that the Federal Government should consider expanding and institutionalising the pipeline surveillance contract with Tantita on a more permanent basis, noting that the company has proven to be tested, trusted, and result-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.
The PUNCH