Rising from a meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the stakeholders described suggestions to restructure the contract under the leadership of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, as premature, dangerous, and counterproductive.

They applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for renewing the contract, saying the move reflects the position of most key stakeholders and communities in the Niger Delta, who they claim have experienced improved stability since Tantita began operations.

The group also commended the National Assembly for expressing confidence in Tantita’s operations and in Tompolo’s leadership.

In a communique signed by representatives including High Chief Reuben Clifford Wilson, BoT Chairman; Ezekiel Akpasibewei, representing first-phase ex-militant leaders; Francis Waiwei, Executive Director of FHADND; and Comrade Nature Dumale Kieghe, BoT Secretary, the stakeholders reaffirmed their support for the existing arrangement.

Other signatories included regional coordinators and representatives from Imo, Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Ondo states.

They recalled that before Tantita’s engagement, the Niger Delta was heavily affected by oil theft, pipeline vandalism, illegal bunkering, sabotage of oil facilities, and environmental damage.

However, they noted that since the surveillance contract commenced, these activities have reduced significantly, adding that the current structure has improved coordination, strengthened local intelligence, and enhanced operational monitoring.

They stressed that the existing framework is working and should be strengthened rather than dismantled, describing pipeline surveillance as a critical national security responsibility tied to Nigeria’s economic survival.

The stakeholders warned that any attempt to alter the structure could create confusion, weaken accountability, reduce efficiency, and open up security gaps that criminal elements could exploit.

They further argued that the current arrangement has developed the experience, local trust, and operational capacity needed for such a sensitive task, warning that fragmentation in the name of decentralisation would disrupt a system that is already delivering results.

They also cautioned against politicising pipeline security, stressing that it should not be turned into a tool for sectional or political interests, but guided strictly by national interest and stability.

The group urged continued support for the present surveillance framework in the interest of peace, security, and economic stability in the Niger Delta and across Nigeria.

They also expressed confidence that President Tinubu would enjoy strong support in the 2027 elections in the region, attributing this to the renewal of the pipeline surveillance contract.

They added that the renewal has boosted public confidence and improved the ability of Niger Delta communities to carry out their daily economic activities without fear of piracy and illegal oil bunkering.