Bomba Dauda
The Coalition of Middle Belt Youth Leaders and Stakeholders has urged the Federal Government to retain the pipeline surveillance contract in the Niger Delta currently handled by Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, through Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
In a statement issued in March 2026, the group said the contract has played a crucial role in protecting Nigeria’s oil infrastructure, boosting oil production, and sustaining peace in the Niger Delta.
The coalition noted that before the surveillance initiative, Nigeria’s oil sector faced serious challenges including pipeline vandalism, illegal refineries, and large-scale crude oil theft, which significantly reduced national revenue and threatened the country’s economic stability.
According to the group, the engagement of local stakeholders with deep knowledge of the terrain has helped reduce oil theft, improve security around oil facilities, and encourage host communities to participate in protecting national assets.
The coalition also highlighted the programme’s socio-economic impact, noting that thousands of youths in the Niger Delta are now engaged in surveillance operations, providing them with legitimate means of livelihood and reducing criminal activities.
It warned that terminating the contract without a credible alternative could reverse these gains and lead to a resurgence of oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and maritime insecurity in the region.
The group therefore called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to disregard calls for the termination of the contract and instead strengthen oversight and coordination with security agencies to sustain the progress recorded.
The statement was signed by Comrade Bagudu Joseph, Chairman/National Coordinator, and Comrade Bishop Douglas Kanatapwa, Secretary, for the Coalition of Middle Belt Youth Leaders and Stakeholders.
