The Ethnic Youth Leaders’ Council of Nigeria (EYLCN) has hailed the ruling by a Federal Capital Territory High Court in favour of a renewal of pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, the National Coordinator of the group, Comrade Meliga Godwin, described the ruling as a boost for Nigeria’s economic stability and national security.
He warned that any attempt to split or fragment the contract could reverse gains made in combating crude oil theft and undermine economic recovery in the Niger Delta region which had allegedly caused massive crude oil losses, with theft estimated at about 250,000 barrels per day, resulting in billions of dollars in revenue losses in the past.
Godwin noted that prior to Tantita’s engagement between January and September 2021 alone, the country reportedly lost over $4 billion to oil theft, while production dropped significantly to about 900,000 barrels per day.
According to him, the situation has improved since Tantita took over pipeline surveillance operations, with crude theft drastically reduced, production rebounding close to two million barrels per day, and investor confidence gradually restored.
He added that the intervention has also contributed to improved security in host communities, reduced environmental degradation caused by illegal refining, and created employment opportunities for young people in the Niger Delta.
The group also commended the National Assembly for recommending that Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited be declared a company of strategic national interest, describing the move as patriotic and economically justified.
Godwin urged the Federal Government to proceed with the immediate renewal of the contract and avoid any move that could weaken the current surveillance framework.
He also heaped praises on the leadership of the company, including Managing Director High Chief Kestin Pondi, Vice Chairman Matthew Tonlagha, and High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, for what he described as their commitment to protecting national assets.
Leave a Reply