Pipeline Contract: Ogbe-Ijoh Leaders, Stakeholders Fault Call for Decentralisation, Laud Tantita’s Commitment

By Monday Peters, Abuja

The Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom Governing Council and Traditional Council in a joint press briefing in Warri, Delta State have expressed unwavering support for Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, lauding its role in curbing oil theft and boosting production in the Niger Delta.

Speaking at the briefing, the stakeholders spotlight significant achievements, including increased oil production (1.5-1.7 million barrels/day in 2024-2025), reduced theft (down from 400,000 barrels/day), and historic profits for NNPC (₦2 trillion in 2023).

The kingdom leadership appreciated Tantita’s community-based approach, engaging youths and promoting ownership. They noted environmental recovery, with dismantled illegal refineries and restored ecosystems. However, they opposed decentralizing pipeline surveillance, citing risks of inefficiency.

The council urged the government to renew Tantita’s contract, ensure transparency, and conduct performance audits. “The operational model of Tantita Security Services Nig. Ltd. remains highly effective,” they stated.

The statement reads, “On behalf of the Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom Governing Council / the Ogbe-ijoh Warri Kingdom traditional Council and the entire people of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom ,
wish to clearly state our firm and unequivocal support for the operations of Tantita Security Services Nig. Ltd. within our territory and across the Niger Delta region.

“Measurable Impact on Oil Security and National Revenue Over the past few years, pipeline surveillance operations led by Tantita Security Services Nig. Ltd. have contributed significantly to the reduction of crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal refining activities in the Niger Delta. Available industry data shows that Nigeria’s crude oil production, which dropped to as low as 900,000 barrels per day in 2022, has recovered to approximately 1.5 to 1.7 million barrels per day by late 2024 and into 2025, following intensified surveillance and enforcement efforts. In addition, estimates indicate that crude oil theft, which previously accounted for losses of over 400,000 barrels per day, has been reduced significantly in areas under active surveillance. It is also on record that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited declared historic profits exceeding ₦2 trillion in 2023, marking a major turnaround from years of operational losses, largely attributed to improved pipeline security and reduced crude losses.

“Inclusive Community Engagement Model One of the most distinctive features of Tantita Security Services Nig. Ltd.’s operations is its community-based engagement structure. Reports indicate that thousands of youths across host communities have been engaged directly and indirectly in surveillance and pipeline protection activities. For the first time, both oil-bearing and non-oil-bearing communities are actively involved in safeguarding oil infrastructure. This has:
Reduced local grievances
Created employment opportunities
Strengthened community ownership
This approach aligns with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which promotes host community participation”.

“Environmental Recovery and Livelihood Restoration Before the introduction of coordinated surveillance, the Niger Delta ecosystem suffered severe degradation due to illegal refining and oil spills. At its peak, there were hundreds of illegal refining sites across the region, causing widespread pollution.
Recent reports now indicate:
Significant dismantling of illegal refining camps
Reduction in pipeline breaches
Gradual restoration of aquatic life
Fishing and farming activities are steadily recovering, improving livelihoods in riverine communities”.

“Position on Calls for Decentralization We have taken note of calls for the decentralization of pipeline surveillance operations. We firmly state that such calls are not in the best interest of the Niger Delta at this time.
Pipeline surveillance requires:
Central coordination
Unified command
Standardized operations
Fragmentation risks inefficiency, duplication, and a return to the era of large-scale oil theft”.

“Call for Transparency Across All Surveillance Contracts While supporting the current framework, we emphasize transparency and accountability across all surveillance contractors. Given that surveillance contracts run into billions of naira annually, all operators must show measurable results.
We call on authorities to:
Conduct independent performance audits
Ensure equitable community inclusion
Enforce clear performance benchmarks”

“Our Position and Recommendation We maintain that the operational model of Tantita Security Services Nig. Ltd. remains highly effective.
We therefore call on the Federal Government to:
Renew its surveillance contract
Strengthen its operational capacity
Maintain strict regulatory oversight
Conclusion The Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom Governing Council remains committed to supporting efforts that protect national assets, improve economic stability, and restore host communities.
We reaffirm our loyalty to the Federal Government and trust that decisions taken will reflect the broader interest of the Niger Delta and Nigeria”.