Niger Delta Activist Demands Review of Tantita Pipeline Surveillance Contract
Environmental activist and community development expert Comrade Alex Ekerebenah has issued a strong appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging a comprehensive review of the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services. Ekerebenah argues that the current arrangement lacks direct benefits for the majority of Niger Delta residents and requires immediate governmental intervention.
Contract Renewal Opposition and Local Benefit Concerns
In a statement released on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, Ekerebenah expressed firm opposition to the renewal of Tantita's contract, describing it as unsustainable under current conditions. He emphasized that no patriotic indigene of the Niger Delta region would support continuing an agreement that primarily enriches a select few individuals while leaving local communities in persistent poverty.
"Only Preye and a few individuals have benefited from the millions of dollars' contract that has ended in the pocket of a very few individuals, leaving the vast majority of the Niger Delta people in abject poverty," Ekerebenah stated. "Somebody must remind Preye that we are no longer in the era when a few individuals will be throwing billions around while millions of our people struggle for one square meal per day."
Critique of Contract Defense and Call for Transparency
The activist specifically criticized comments made by Comrade Preye Tambou, who had warned against opposition to the contract renewal. Ekerebenah characterized Tambou's defense as a desperate attempt to advance selfish interests rather than representing the collective needs of Niger Delta residents.
Ekerebenah called on President Tinubu to address what he described as ambiguities and oversights in the original contract award process. He referenced the roles played by Timipre Sylva and Mele Kyari during their respective tenures, suggesting that the contract required proper financial auditing to understand fund sources and expenditure patterns.
"The haste with which Sylva awarded the contracts without considering the yearnings of other states and locals is no longer sustainable under the inclusive democratic ideals of Mr. President," Ekerebenah asserted.
Contrasting Perspectives on Tantita's Performance
While Ekerebenah raises concerns about community benefits, other stakeholders have acknowledged Tantita's operational successes. The Niger-Delta Environmental Justice Coalition recently praised the security firm for significantly reducing crude oil theft incidents across the region.
According to reports from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), crude oil losses dropped to approximately 9,600 barrels per day in July 2025—representing the lowest level since 2009. Between January and July of that year, total losses amounted to 2.04 million barrels, marking substantial improvement from previous periods.
The coalition has urged the Tinubu administration to continue supporting Tantita's efforts while maintaining vigilance against potential sabotage that could undermine recent progress in pipeline security.
Human Rights Allegations and Operational Accountability
Separate investigations into human rights violation allegations against Tantita Security Services have reportedly found no evidence supporting claims of illegal arrests or abuse. Human rights groups conducting these inquiries have emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in all security operations while acknowledging the challenging nature of pipeline protection duties in the volatile Niger Delta region.
As the debate continues, Ekerebenah's appeal highlights growing demands for contract structures that prioritize local community development alongside security objectives. The activist's call for review underscores broader conversations about resource distribution, corporate responsibility, and governmental oversight in Nigeria's crucial oil-producing regions.
