Following Wednesday’s vote of confidence passed on Tantita Security Services Limited by the National Assembly, traditional rulers and community leaders in the Niger Delta have called for sustained support for the company in safeguarding oil and gas pipelines.

They noted that the company’s involvement in pipeline protection has brought noticeable improvements to oil-bearing communities.

Also, forensic experts have backed the role of the outfit in strengthening pipeline security, crediting its collaboration with the Federal Government for curbing oil theft, boosting crude oil production, and increasing national revenue.

The forensic experts gave the endorsement at the end of a two-day National Dialogue on Pipeline Security held in Abuja, where participants linked recent improvements in oil output to enhanced and coordinated surveillance operations.

Speaking on the development, the Ovie of Great Idjerhe Kingdom in Delta State and Chairman of the Host Communities

Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (HOSCON), His Majesty, King Monday Obukohwo Whiskey, described the vote of confidence as a welcome development that reinforces trust in Tantita’s operations.
According to him, while there is always room for improvement, criticism should not be driven by blackmail or media propaganda.

“One of the reasons for the attacks against Tantita is its refusal to compromise professional standards in securing sensitive assets across the Niger Delta,” he said.

The monarch advocated the sustenance, renewal and expansion of the contract, noting that illegal bunkering persists in areas not yet covered by the company.

Similarly, the President-General of the Ughelli Descendants Union, Sam Akpemegi, praised the company’s performance since the commencement of its operations, noting that it has significantly improved security in the area.

“They have done very well and improved security since they began operations,” he said, adding that the firm deploys both covert and overt strategies.

Akpemegi further disclosed that Tantita has engaged a large number of local youths, with its operations covering over 80 per cent of communities in the area.

He urged that the current momentum be sustained to consolidate gains in securing critical oil infrastructure and promoting development.

Also speaking, the President-General of the Isoko Development Union (IDU), Christopher Akpotu, commended the joint committee of the Senate and House of Representatives for dismissing multiple petitions against Tantita, describing the decision as a step in the right direction for the Niger Delta.

Akpotu urged stakeholders to prioritise collective economic benefits over internal disputes. “That is the right way to go,” he said.

The dialogue, convened by the Forum of Forensic Civil Society Groups in Nigeria in collaboration with the Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency, brought together civil society organisations, security experts, policy analysts, community leaders, and government representatives.

Participants noted that Nigeria’s oil pipelines remain the backbone of the economy, stressing that improved security directly enhances revenue generation and strengthens the government’s capacity to meet public obligations.
They attributed the recent rise in crude oil production and the decline in pipeline vandalism to structured surveillance frameworks, warning against any disruptive changes that could undermine the gains.

In a communiqué issued by Dr. Opialu Fabian, the forum cautioned against calls to fragment pipeline surveillance arrangements under the guise of inclusion, warning that such moves could weaken operational efficiency, reduce accountability, and create openings for criminal networks.

“Pipeline protection is not a routine contractual engagement but a sensitive national security function requiring discipline, trust, intelligence coordination, and a clear chain of command,” the communiqué stated.

While acknowledging the need for host community involvement, participants stressed that inclusivity must be pursued through structured engagement and capacity-building without sacrificing operational efficiency.

They further noted that breaches in pipeline security have far-reaching consequences, including reduced public spending, economic instability, and stalled development, noting that the protection of national assets must rise above sectional interests.