Niger Delta Stakeholders Demand Decentralization of Pipeline Contracts
In a significant development, stakeholders from the Niger Delta region have issued a strong appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging the decentralization of pipeline surveillance contracts. This call emerged from an emergency meeting of the Niger Delta Roundtable held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where participants resolved that such contracts should no longer be awarded to single entities but instead distributed across states and communities.
The group emphasized that this approach would ensure that the benefits of oil exploration reach those who endure its environmental and social impacts while safeguarding national assets. A statement signed by Dr. Taro Theophilus highlighted a critical assessment of the current contract's performance, labeling it an abysmal failure due to persistent illegal bunkering and asset vandalism in the region.
Alarming Oil Production Shortfalls and Revenue Losses
According to data cited from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and confirmed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria experienced severe production deficits in 2025. The country lost 93.74 million barrels of crude oil and condensate production against its budget targets during the first eight months of that year.
With Bonny Light crude averaging $73.06 per barrel, this translated to a staggering revenue loss of $6.85 billion. The pipeline surveillance contract, initially commissioned to prevent such losses, has failed to deliver on its objectives, as evidenced by ongoing security breaches.
In 2025, the federal budget assumed a daily production of 2.06 million barrels, but actual output averaged only 1.673 million barrels per day, resulting in a daily shortfall of 390,000 barrels. Nigeria managed to meet its OPEC quota of 1.5 million barrels per day in just three months throughout the entire year, with September recording the worst performance at 1.39 million barrels per day.
By January 2026, the situation remained dire, with production at 1.459 million barrels per day against a budget benchmark of 1.84 million barrels, marking six consecutive months of missing OPEC targets.
Community Support for Tantita Security Services
In contrast to the roundtable's criticisms, stakeholders and community leaders in Tombia, Degema Local Council Area of Rivers State, have commended Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited for its role in securing oil and gas infrastructure. The firm, operated by former militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, was first awarded the pipeline surveillance contract in August 2022 and renewed in 2024.
At an appraisal meeting held at the community's town hall, youth leader Tarry Fayofori and other stakeholders praised the company's performance as effective, noting a significant reduction in oil theft and illegal refining activities since its engagement. Community spokesman Dennis Philip highlighted that Tantita's presence has contributed to increased national oil output and improved security across the region.
The stakeholders urged the Federal Government to sustain its contract with Tantita, describing its operations as one of the most successful interventions in protecting Nigeria's critical oil infrastructure. This divergence in opinions underscores the complex dynamics surrounding pipeline security and community involvement in the Niger Delta.
