Protesters storm NASS, reject moves to decentralise pipeline surveillance contract

A group of protesters under the banner of Concerned Niger Delta Stakeholders on Tuesday stormed the National Assembly in Abuja, voicing opposition to calls for the decentralisation of the pipeline surveillance contract currently managed by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.

The demonstrators, who arrived in large numbers, carried placards bearing messages such as “Nigeria cannot afford setbacks in oil security,” “Don’t destroy Niger Delta peace for self-interest,” and “Say no to disruption of national security efforts.”

Others warned against politicising the issue, insisting that pipeline security should not be tied to the 2027 general elections.

Addressing journalists during the protest, the group’s spokesperson, Hon. Duduke Ebitimi, described ongoing calls to review the contract framework as self-serving and potentially dangerous to the fragile peace in the Niger Delta.

Ebitimi recalled that prior to the engagement of Tantita Security Services, the region was beset by rampant pipeline vandalism, oil theft, kidnappings, and sea piracy—factors that significantly crippled Nigeria’s oil production and economic stability.

According to him, crude oil output had at one point dropped to between 800,000 and 900,000 barrels per day due to unchecked criminal activities. He added that widespread illegal bunkering and the proliferation of makeshift refineries not only devastated the environment but also exposed residents to severe health risks.

“The Niger Delta became a hub of illegal refining, with thick smoke polluting the atmosphere and causing serious health challenges, including cancer,” Ebitimi said. “There was no peace, and major routes like the East-West Road were frequently disrupted by protests and insecurity.”

He, however, credited the current surveillance arrangement with restoring stability in the region, noting that oil production has since rebounded to over two million barrels per day. He also highlighted the reduction in illegal bunkering activities and the improved protection of critical oil infrastructure.

The protesters further argued that the contract has generated employment for thousands of youths in the Niger Delta and strengthened cooperation between local communities and security agencies.

Rejecting calls for decentralisation, the group insisted that those advocating for a review of the contract lack both the capacity and genuine interest in the welfare of the region.

“We want to state unequivocally that those pushing for changes are driven by greed and jealousy,” Ebitimi said. “They do not represent the interests of the Niger Delta. Nobody changes a working system.”

He also cautioned against politicising the contract, particularly attempts to link it to the 2027 elections, stressing that national security should remain above partisan considerations.

The group urged the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to maintain and possibly expand the current surveillance framework, emphasising that it has delivered measurable benefits to both the region and the national economy.

Ebitimi further clarified that the pipeline surveillance contract was not awarded arbitrarily, noting that Tantita Security Services and its principal, Government Ekpemupolo (popularly known as Tompolo), secured the deal through a competitive bidding process based on proven capacity and organisational competence.

“Those who want contracts should prepare themselves and compete in other sectors,” he added.