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Traditional rulers from Ijaw, Urhobo, Isoko and Ndokwa ethnic nationalities in Delta State have thrown their weight behind Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to renew and expand the firm’s pipeline surveillance contract amid claims of improved security and rising oil output.

The endorsement followed an enlarged meeting of over 50 monarchs held in Effurun at the palace of His Royal Majesty Emmanuel E. Sideso, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom.

In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the monarchs commended the Federal Government for awarding the contract to Tantita, insisting the company has delivered “measurable and verifiable results” in safeguarding oil and gas infrastructure across the Niger Delta.

The statement, jointly signed by prominent traditional rulers including His Royal Majesty Emmanuel E. Sideso, Abe 1 and His Royal Majesty King Joseph Timiyan, highlighted what they described as a dramatic reduction in criminal activities since Tantita’s engagement.

“There has been a reduction in criminality on all fronts, including illegal bunkering, crude oil theft, kidnapping, sea piracy, armed robbery and youth restiveness,” the monarchs declared.

They added that the improved security climate has not only stabilized host communities but also boosted Nigeria’s economy, with oil production reportedly rising to about 1.8 million barrels per day and gas output increasing significantly.

According to the royal fathers, the environmental impact has also been notable, with reduced pipeline vandalism leading to cleaner rivers and improved ecosystems.

“It has bolstered the economy and improved both aquatic and terrestrial habitats,” the communique stated.

The monarchs, however, pushed back strongly against calls in some quarters for the decentralisation of the surveillance contract, warning that such a move could undermine the gains recorded so far.

“We condemn the call for decentralisation. Our findings show the contract is already structured to accommodate multiple operators across ethnic nationalities,” they said.

They urged President Tinubu to not only renew the contract but expand its scope to consolidate the progress made in curbing oil theft and securing critical national assets.

Speaking at the meeting, a representative of Tantita, Emmanuel Jake’s, attributed the turnaround in oil production to the company’s intervention, revealing that output had plummeted to about 700,000 barrels per day before the contract was awarded in 2022.

“Today, recovery levels are between 97 and 99 per cent. That tells the story of what has been achieved,” he said.

Jakpa also pointed to significant environmental improvements, noting that soot pollution, once widespread in many Niger Delta communities, has drastically reduced.

“This progress is real, but it is not irreversible. If support is withdrawn, we risk sliding back into insecurity and environmental degradation,” he warned.

Several monarchs at the meeting echoed similar sentiments, praising Tantita for restoring livelihoods and engaging local youths in surveillance operations, which they said has reduced restiveness in the region.

“Our people can now return to fishing and farming. The rivers are cleaner, and the environment is safer,” one monarch said.

Another noted that the company’s employment of local youths has helped stabilize communities previously plagued by unrest.

Despite the commendation, the traditional rulers called for stronger and more consistent engagement between Tantita and traditional institutions to sustain trust and collaboration.

“This is the first major interface since 2022. Such engagements must be regular to address concerns and clear misconceptions,” a monarch observed.

The meeting ended with a unanimous commitment by both the monarchs and Tantita to deepen cooperation in protecting oil infrastructure and sustaining peace and development in the Niger Delta.