Delta Monarchs Back Tantita, Urge Tinubu to Renew Pipeline Contract

EFFURUN – Traditional rulers from Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko, and Ndokwa ethnic nationalities in Delta State have thrown their weight behind Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to renew and expand the company’s pipeline surveillance contract.

The endorsement followed a high-level meeting of over 50 monarchs held at the palace of HRM Dr. Emmanuel E. Sideso (Abe I), Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, where a joint communiqué was issued.

Monarchs Cite Improved Security, Economic Gains
In an open letter to the President, the royal fathers praised the Federal Government for awarding the contract to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd, noting that the firm has delivered “measurable and verifiable results” in protecting oil and gas infrastructure.

According to them, the Niger Delta has witnessed a sharp decline in criminal activities, including:
Crude oil theft
Illegal bunkering
Kidnapping
Sea piracy
Armed robbery
They stressed that improved surveillance has not only enhanced security but also boosted Nigeria’s economy and environmental health.

“Nigeria’s oil production has risen to about 1.8 million barrels per day, while gas output has also increased, attracting foreign direct investment,” the monarchs stated.

Warning Against Contract Decentralisation
The traditional rulers strongly rejected calls for decentralising the surveillance contract, warning that such a move could undermine the progress already achieved.

“The contract is already decentralised across ethnic nationalities. Any further fragmentation may reverse the gains,” they cautioned.

They urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to expand Tantita’s mandate to sustain peace, increase oil output, and stabilize the region.

Tantita: From 700,000 to 1.8 Million Barrels Per Day
Speaking at the meeting, a representative of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd, Barrister Emmanuel Jakpa, revealed that Nigeria’s oil production has significantly improved since the contract began in August 2022.

Before 2022: ~700,000 barrels per day
Current levels: Recovery rates between 97–99%
He also highlighted environmental improvements, noting a reduction in soot pollution and cleaner communities across the Niger Delta.

“This progress is not irreversible. Without sustained support, we risk returning to insecurity and environmental degradation,” Jakpa warned.

Jobs, Livelihoods Restored
Several monarchs commended the company for its grassroots impact, especially in job creation and restoring livelihoods.

Fishermen and farmers have returned to work
Youth employment in surveillance operations has increased
Community restiveness has reduced
“Our rivers are cleaner, and our people can fish and farm again,” one monarch noted.

Call for Stronger Engagement with Traditional Institutions
Despite the praise, the royal fathers called for regular consultations between Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd and traditional rulers to improve communication and address concerns.
They described the meeting as the first major engagement since 2022, urging more frequent interactions.

The endorsement by Delta monarchs reinforces growing regional support for Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd, positioning the firm as a key player in Nigeria’s oil security architecture, while putting pressure on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sustain and expand the initiative.