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From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The Ethnic Youth Leaders’ Council of Nigeria (EYLCN) has hailed the decision of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for refusing to stop the renewal of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd pipeline surveillance contract, describing the ruling as a major victory for Nigeria’s economy and national security.
The National Coordinator of the group, Meliga Godwin gave the commendation yesterday, at a press conference in Abuja.
Godwin said the court’s decision reaffirmed the strategic importance of Tantita’s role in protecting the nation’s oil infrastructure.
He said any attempt to split or fragment the contract could undermine the progress already made in curbing crude oil theft and restoring stability in the Niger Delta.
According to him, Nigeria suffered devastating losses before Tantita was engaged, with crude theft reaching as much as 250,000 barrels per day and costing the country billions of dollars in lost revenue.
He recalled that between January and September 2021 alone, Nigeria reportedly lost more than $4 billion to oil theft, while production plunged to about 900,000 barrels per day.
He, however, noted that since Tantita took over pipeline surveillance operations, oil theft has dropped sharply, production has rebounded close to 2,000,000 barrels per day, and investor confidence has improved significantly.
He added that the company’s intervention had also reduced insecurity, curbed environmental damage from illegal refining and created jobs for youths in oil-producing communities.
The group further praised the National Assembly for recommending that Tantita be declared a company of strategic national interest, saying the move reflects the company’s growing relevance to Nigeria’s economic survival.
Godwin urged the Federal Government to immediately renew the contract and resist pressures to divide it among multiple operators.
He also commended Tantita’s leadership, including the Managing Director, High Chief Kestin Pondi, Vice Chairman Matthew, Tonlagha, and High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, for what he described as their patriotism and commitment to national development.
The group called for national honours to be conferred on the company’s key figures, insisting that their contributions had strengthened the economy, reduced insecurity and created wealth for Nigerians.
