Group urges Tinubu to stop the award of pipeline surveillance contracts to Tantita Ltd, Others

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Civil Society Organization Network Groups in Nigeria (CSONN) has urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the Nigerian National Petroleum Limited (NNPCL) to cease the award of surveillance contracts to companies led by individuals of questionable character, such as Tantita Ltd and Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo).

The group expressed displeasure over the ongoing environmental and security crises affecting local communities, exacerbated by questionable pipeline surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta region.

Chairman of the group, Collins Eshiofeh while speaking in Abuja on Monday during a peaceful protest to the NNPCL headquarters stated that despite commendations to the Nigerian Navy and President Bola Tinubu for recent efforts to curb oil theft in the Niger Delta region, recent developments highlight a disturbing trend as surveillance contracts are being awarded to individuals and entities with a history of militant activity against the Nigerian state.

Eshiofeh noted that such decisions not only compromise national security but also risk empowering these groups to further arm themselves, thereby perpetuating violence and instability in a region already beset by challenges.

He insisted that entrusting pipeline security to those with militant backgrounds undermines Nigeria’s sovereignty and international reputation, particularly within Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Also, CSONN questions the interests that NNPCL top management may have in these entities and their propensity to assign national asset protection to known militants.

“By continuing this practice, the Nigerian state appears to be yielding to the demands of militants, rather than upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of its citizens. This capitulation threatens to erode public confidence and the authority of the state”.

The group further call on President Tinubu to review and revoke pipeline surveillance contracts currently held by former militants to prevent the potential misuse of such funds for arms proliferation, investigate the proliferation of arms in the Niger Delta, including the role of armed militants in the importation of illegal weapons and
ensure that the Nigerian Military and pipeline protection companies operate with the utmost professionalism and are not complicit in arms trafficking.