Amatu Seeks Renewal of Tantita’s Contract, Appeals For More Jobs Slots

By Joseph Bienbo, Warri

The people of the Amatu 1 Community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has appealed to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited to increase employment opportunities for its youths, women, and elders, citing the community strategic role as a major host community to critical oil and gas infrastructure.

The community, In a letter dated February 14, 2026, and addressed to the Chairman/CEO of Tantita, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), and the Managing Director, High Chief Kestin Pondi, expressed confidence and gratitude for the company’s efforts in safeguarding oil facilities and curbing illegal activities in the Niger Delta and declared that nobody else could have done the job better.

The letter, signed by community leaders including Chairman Independence Neyin and Secretary Christopher Tuerede, acknowledged that Tantita’s operations have contributed significantly to the protection of the environment and preservation of livelihoods in the region.

However, the community raised concerns over what it described as marginalisation in the allocation of employment slots, despite hosting key oil assets such as the EA/EJA Oil Field and the Dodo River (OML 56 and 88), located within close proximity to the community.

According to the community, a major gas pipeline linking the Tunu Node Flow Station to the EA/EJA Oil Field passes through Amatu 1 territory, a factor they said should ordinarily qualify them as a priority for local employment in pipeline surveillance operations.

The community further noted that at least five newly discovered oil wells exist within its territory, alongside several pipelines, some of which are currently subjects of dispute.

Amatu 1 conmunity, the ancestral headquarters of the Iduwini Kingdom and the throne residence of the Grand Pere, HRM Ambassador Dr. Joel Ibane (J), Ogiobo IX, said it was they feel bad that neighbouring communities had benefitted more from Tantita job allocations.

“It is deeply unfair that while neighbouring communities have received a significant number of job slots, including positions for Generals and Coordinators, Amatu 1 was allocated only 10 slots out of hundreds of capable youths,” the letter stated.

The letter further revealed that youths of the community currently shoulder the responsibility of providing security for the royal palace without remuneration, even as those of other kingdoms nearby enjoy paid positions under the surveillance contract.

While reiterating its peaceful disposition, the community stressed that its appeal was not borne out of agitation but a call for fairness and equity.

“We are not condemning Tantita or anyone. We only seek for a better trwatment,” the letter noted, adding that the people of Amatu 1 remain law-abiding and committed to the the President Tinubu and Tantita’s drive for peace and stability of the Niger Delta region.

The community appealed for the employment of at least 400 qualified indigenes—both male and female—into Tantita Security Services, in recognition of its status as a primary host community and royal headquarters of the Iduwini Kingdom.

They also called on notable leaders like the Grand Pere of Iduwini Kingdom and the Amananawei of Amatu 1 Community to support and facilitate the request.

The appeal, observers say, underscores ongoing concerns among host communities in the Niger Delta over favourable distribution of opportunities in oil-related security engagements, even as stakeholders continue to emphasise the need for Tantita’s contract to not only be renewed, but expanded.