The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone, has strongly condemned the recent call by the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to terminate the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) within Urhobo territories.

In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Comrade Nicholas Igarama; Secretary, Barr. Ebi Joshua Olowolayemo; and Information Officer, Comrade Tare Magbei, the IYC described the UPU’s position as “immature,” warning that such ethnic posturing could stoke tensions in Warri and surrounding areas.

The council emphasized that the Federal Government’s engagement of TSSNL, an Ijaw-owned firm, was based on competence and track record—not ethnicity. It noted that the surveillance contract followed a rigorous bidding and screening process open to all qualified entities, including those from Urhobo communities.

“It is expedient to clarify that the contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited was not on an ethnic basis, but solely on the ground of competence,” the IYC stated. “This same job was handled for over eight years by Capt. Hosa, an Edo indigene, covering Urhobo territories without any objection from the UPU.”

The council pointed to Tantita’s success in combating oil theft and illegal bunkering, attributing the recent rise in Nigeria’s oil production—now nearing 2 million barrels per day—to the firm’s efforts. It warned that attempts to undermine TSSNL’s operations could jeopardize national gains and escalate existing tensions in Delta State.

While acknowledging the right of Urhobo leaders to advocate for their communities, the IYC urged them to avoid fanning ethnic sentiments or blackmailing an Ijaw firm that has consistently delivered results.

The IYC also appealed to President Tinubu to disregard “unpatriotic elements” calling for the revocation of Tantita’s contract. Instead, it urged the President to expand the firm’s scope of work, citing its unwavering commitment to national economic recovery.

In its final remarks, the IYC called on Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to urgently intervene to defuse the rising tension between ethnic groups in Warri and its environs. It also reaffirmed its support for Tantita and encouraged the company to remain focused on its mission.

Copies of the statement were also sent to the National Security Adviser and Delta State Government.