Pipeline Contract: IYC Calls For Unity Among Key Ex-agitators, Faults Call For Decentralisation At Press Conference

By Joseph Bienbo, Warri

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Western Zone in a press conference held on March 26, in Warri, Delta State, called for the unity amongst ex-agitators and its leadership while frowning against the unpopular call for decentralisation the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.

Speaking at the conference, the council commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining the engagement of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited in protecting Nigeria’s oil and gas assets.

IYC Chairman, Comrade Nicholas Igarama, stated that Tantita has performed creditably, demonstrating competence and commitment to securing oil installations. He emphasised that the development of the Niger Delta cannot be achieved if the people continue to fight among themselves, recalling the unity that made the 2009 Amnesty Programme possible.

The council urged stakeholders to look beyond asset protection and focus on greater involvement of the people in oil and gas governance, reigniting the conversation on true fiscal federalism and resource control. Igarama warned against decentralizing the pipeline surveillance contract, citing efficiency and professionalism in the current centralized arrangement.

The IYC called on Ijaw sons and daughters to rise above personal interests and embrace unity as the foundation for sustainable development and political relevance. The council’s position reflects the principles upon which the IYC was founded, emphasizing peace, stability, and cooperation among Ijaw leaders and stakeholders.

The statement reads, “The leadership of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone has in the last few days carefully observed the unfolding issues within the Ijaw Nation, wherein an extraction of ex-agitators recently convened to demand the decentralisation of the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited.

“We have closely observed the ripple effect this meeting has generated across the Niger Delta.
It has therefore become necessary to convene this press conference to address key issues as they relate to the collective interest of the Ijaw Nation and our path forward.

“As the Host zone to the corporate headquarters of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, we wish to state the following:

“We use this forum to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decision to sustain the engagement of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited in the protection of Nigeria’s oil and gas assets.

“We state as a matter of fact that Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has performed creditably in the discharge of its mandate. The company has demonstrated competence and commitment in securing oil installations and deserves the support of all critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta.

“The development of the Niger Delta cannot be achieved if we continue to fight among ourselves. It is important to recall that the Amnesty Programme of 2009 was made possible through a shared unity of purpose among our people. That same spirit must guide us today.

“All critical stakeholders must begin to look beyond the immediate task of protecting oil and gas assets. We must put measures in place to ensure greater involvement of our people in oil and gas governance, rather than limiting the discussion to asset protection alone.

“Our leaders must reignite the conversation on true fiscal federalism and resource control. While it is necessary to safeguard our oil installations from theft and vandalism, the more fundamental issue remains the control of our resources. This was the foundation of our collective struggle.

“We make this position without bias, as it reflects the very principles upon which the IYC was founded. We call for peace among all levels of leadership in the Niger Delta, including actors within our contemporary struggle and key stakeholders in the Ijaw Nation.

“On the issue of decentralisation, we state clearly that the current structure has delivered efficiency and professionalism in oil asset protection. The centralised arrangement has ensured accountability and effective monitoring in cases of compromise or misconduct. A fragmented system may weaken performance and reduce overall effectiveness.

“Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has demonstrated capacity through collaboration with stakeholders, meaningful corporate social responsibility, and a significant increase in crude oil production from about 700,000 barrels per day to about 1.8 million barrels per day. This achievement remains unprecedented in recent years.

“We use this medium also to advice unpatriotic elements from other ethnic groups to stay clear of our issues. This should not result in a medium for abusing our leaders as Ijaws are one United people regardless.

” In light of these facts, we urge all parties to prioritise dialogue, and avoid actions capable of undermining the fragile unity within the Ijaw Nation. Our collective progress depends on stability, cooperation, and a shared commitment to the common good of our people

“In conclusion, we call on all Ijaw sons and daughters to rise above personal interests and embrace unity as the foundation for sustainable development and political relevance. The future of our people depends on our ability to stand together with one voice”, IYC added.