Young Leaders of Egbema Reject Calls to Decentralise Pipeline Surveillance Contract
The Young Leaders of Egbema Kingdom, popularly referred to as Tantita Elders in the Egbema Unit, have strongly rejected growing calls for the decentralisation of the pipeline surveillance security contract currently handled by Government Ekpemupolo through Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
The position of the group was made public during a press briefing held on Wednesday, April 1, where the leaders addressed journalists and stakeholders on the ongoing debate surrounding the future of pipeline surveillance operations in the Niger Delta.
Speaking during the briefing, the Young Leaders of Egbema warned that calls for decentralisation could undermine the significant gains that have been recorded in the fight against oil theft and pipeline vandalism across the region.
Security Operations Require Unified Command
According to the group, the protection of critical national assets such as oil pipelines requires a coordinated and unified command structure rather than fragmented leadership.
They explained that security coordination in the difficult terrain of the Niger Delta—characterised by vast creeks, rivers, and dense mangrove forests—demands a strong operational framework capable of ensuring discipline, coordination, and accountability.
The leaders stressed that introducing multiple command structures through decentralisation could weaken operational efficiency and potentially create security gaps that criminal elements might exploit.
They likened the agitation for decentralisation to “destroying a part of the only canopy protecting you in a difficult playground during harsh sunshine or heavy rainfall.”
Significant Achievements Under Tantita
During the press briefing, the Leaders commended the achievements recorded since the Federal Government awarded the surveillance contract to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
They noted that the intervention of the company has brought about remarkable improvements in security across the waterways and oil-producing communities of the Niger Delta.
According to the group, incidents of sea piracy, illegal oil bunkering, and pipeline vandalism have significantly declined since Tantita began its surveillance operations.
They also highlighted the positive environmental impact of the surveillance programme, noting that activities such as illegal refining and bush burning—often associated with crude oil theft—have drastically reduced.
“Our fishermen and women can now operate freely on the rivers because the water is cleaner and the environment is gradually recovering from years of pollution,” the leaders said.
Youth Empowerment and Community Participation
The Young Leaders also emphasized that the surveillance programme has created employment opportunities for many young people across the Niger Delta.
They explained that engaging local youths in pipeline surveillance has helped reduce youth restiveness while promoting community participation in protecting vital national infrastructure.
According to them, the involvement of local communities has also strengthened intelligence gathering and improved the effectiveness of surveillance operations.
Concerns Over Agitations for Decentralisation
While acknowledging that various groups may be interested in participating in pipeline surveillance activities, the Young Leaders cautioned that the agitation for decentralisation may not necessarily be in the best interest of the region.
They stressed that obtaining a contract is only one aspect of the process, while the real challenge lies in the ability to effectively execute the assignment.
The leaders maintained that Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has demonstrated the competence, experience, and operational capacity required to handle such a sensitive national responsibility.
They added that the company’s operational presence across remote creeks and difficult terrains has contributed significantly to reducing kidnapping and other criminal activities in several communities.
Appeal to Federal Authorities
In light of the successes recorded so far, the Young leaders of Egbema used the press briefing to call on the Federal Government to maintain the existing surveillance structure.
They specifically appealed to the National Security Adviser, the National Assembly, and the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to renew the pipeline surveillance contract with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited when it expires.
The group also urged the federal authorities to consider expanding the company’s operational coverage to additional areas where illegal oil activities remain a challenge.
Protecting Nigeria’s Strategic Assets
The Young Leaders of Egbema concluded that safeguarding Nigeria’s oil infrastructure remains a vital national priority.
They warned that weakening an already effective surveillance system could reverse the progress made in combating oil theft, protecting the environment, and restoring peace in the Niger Delta.
“As young leaders of Egbema Kingdom, we believe the progress achieved under the current surveillance arrangement must be protected and strengthened rather than disrupted,” the group stated.
Signed:
Fiyewei
Young Leaders of Egbema Kingdom (Tantita Elders)
Editorial Insight: A Defining Moment for the Region
From our editorial perspective at Global Egberi Media International, the ongoing debate represents a defining moment for the Niger Delta.
The challenge is not merely about contracts, but about building a sustainable framework that balances security, economic opportunity, and social harmony.
Author: Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Source: Press Briefing by Young Leaders of Egbema Kingdom (April 1)
Homepage: https://globalegberi.com.ng
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