In the tumultuous landscape of Nigeria's Niger Delta, where oil pipelines crisscross the region, the security of these vital infrastructures remains a paramount concern. Amidst the chaos, the Federal Government initiated a noble endeavor: to empower local communities through pipeline security contracts.
However, the execution of this vision has been marred by inconsistencies and questionable practices, epitomized by the actions of Tantita Security Services, a company owned by Mr. Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
Initially framed as a means to empower indigenous communities, the pipeline security contract awarded to Tantita Security Services was intended to bolster local involvement in safeguarding these critical assets.
However, contrary to its purported objectives, Tantita Security Services, under the helm of Mr. Tompolo, has deviated from the government's noble intentions. Instead of fostering broad-based empowerment across the Niger Delta, the company's activities have been predominantly confined to Delta State, primarily benefitting Mr. Tompolo's kinsmen and immediate family.
One of the most alarming discrepancies is the dubious claim made by Tantita Security Services regarding its employment figures. Despite boasting of having employed over twelve thousand youths of Itsekiri origin, scrutiny reveals glaring falsehoods in this assertion.
The lack of transparency and accountability surrounding these purported hires raises serious questions about the legitimacy of Tantita Security Services' operations. It is imperative that Mr. Tompolo produces verifiable evidence substantiating the employment of Itsekiri individuals or faces the consequences of spreading misinformation.
Moreover, while Tantita Security Services indulges in media grandstanding and cheap propaganda, other companies such as Ocean Marine Limited and Pipeline Infrastructures Limited have been silently and diligently fulfilling their responsibilities in pipeline security.
These companies have demonstrated commendable dedication without seeking undue attention, in stark contrast to the ostentatious theatrics of Tantita Security Services.
Furthermore, the circumstances surrounding the frequent arrests of oil-stealing vessels in Delta State, often linked to Tantita Security Services' operations, raise serious suspicions. These arrests, viewed by many as stage-managed spectacles, cast a shadow of doubt over the integrity and legitimacy of Tantita Security Services' endeavors.
The Federal Government must scrutinize these occurrences meticulously and hold accountable those responsible for any malfeasance or manipulation of the law.
In light of these glaring inconsistencies and questionable practices, it is imperative for the Federal Government to conduct a thorough review of Tantita Security Services' operations.
The integrity of the pipeline security initiative in the Niger Delta hangs in the balance, and allowing such discrepancies to persist undermines the trust and confidence of both the local communities and the broader populace.
The government must ensure that the noble objectives of empowering local communities are not hijacked for personal gain or narrow interests.
Finally, the saga surrounding Tantita Security Services underscores the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and integrity in the management of pipeline security contracts in the Niger Delta.
The Federal Government must uphold the principles of fairness and justice, ensuring that these contracts serve the collective interests of all stakeholders rather than serving as vehicles for personal enrichment.
The time has come to dispel the illusions and confront the realities of pipeline security in the Niger Delta, forging a path towards genuine empowerment and sustainable development for the region.
Dr. Luke Ogherugba
Executive Director,
Centre for Socioeconomic Rights and Justice