The Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), Central Zone, has called on President Bola Tinubu to renew the oil and gas pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSS).
The appeal was made by the IYC Central Zone Chairman, Comr. Iniefe Perekosufa, during a press briefing held on Friday at Ijaw House in Yenagoa.
Perekosufa said the call for renewal was based on the company’s satisfactory performance since it was engaged, noting that recent agitations against the contract were driven by misinformation and coordinated campaigns by certain individuals.
He specifically mentioned Ebikabowei Victor, popularly known as Boyloaf, and Bibopere Ajube, also known as Shoot-at-Sight, as among those advocating for the decentralisation of the surveillance contract.
The IYC leader stressed the need to present factual information to guide national decision-making, particularly in light of ongoing debates surrounding the contract.
He recalled that prior to Tantita’s engagement, pipeline surveillance in the Niger Delta was handled for over six years by Ocean Marine Solutions Limited, a company owned by the late Captain Hosa Okunbo.
According to him, when Tantita was contracted towards the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, Nigeria’s crude oil production had dropped to about 800,000 barrels per day, far below its capacity.
Perekosufa described the surveillance contract as one of the key initiatives sustained by the current administration, noting that it has helped curb conflicts and restore stability in oil production.
He said the country was previously under severe economic pressure, with declining government revenues and threats to its credibility in the global energy market, leading to economic hardship.
The IYC central zone chairman noted that the engagement of Tantita, under the leadership of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), was part of efforts to address the crisis and improve pipeline security.
Since assuming responsibility in 2022, he said, the firm has recorded significant successes, including the discovery and dismantling of hundreds of illegal oil tapping points and the destruction of thousands of illegal refining sites.
He added that pipeline vandalism has reduced considerably, while illegal operations in offshore areas have declined due to sustained enforcement efforts.
Perekosufa also noted increased cooperation from host communities, many of which now work with surveillance teams to protect oil infrastructure.
He adds that these developments have contributed to improved oil production and more stable national revenue, strengthening the country’s economic outlook.
