The Mayor of Urhoboland and Head of the Association of Urhobo Mayoral Family Crown (AUMFC), His Excellency Eshanekpe Israel Akpodoro, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to safeguard the oil pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL).
In a statement released in Abuja on Tuesday, Akpodoro appealed for presidential intervention amid concerns that some elements within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) may be attempting to disrupt the arrangement.
He stressed that the surveillance deal, managed by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has significantly improved security in the Niger Delta by curbing oil theft, protecting vital infrastructure, and creating jobs for thousands of youths in the region.
“The surveillance contract has proven its value by reducing crude oil losses, restoring peace to the host communities, and providing a livelihood for our young people. Any move to tamper with this arrangement risks eroding the progress already made,” Akpodoro warned.
The Mayor praised the role of former NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, under whose leadership the initiative was introduced, describing it as a model for safeguarding oil facilities across sub-Saharan Africa.
He urged the current NNPCL management to consolidate the gains recorded under the scheme rather than stir uncertainty that could destabilize the region.
“Tantita has delivered results where other approaches failed. The federal government should sustain this template, not only to protect oil installations but also to safeguard the national economy from the scourge of crude oil theft,” he added.
