Niger Delta Advocacy Group Demands Immediate Cancellation of Tompolo-Linked Pipeline Contract
The Niger Delta Centre for Justice and Accountability (NDCJA) has issued a forceful appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging the immediate termination of the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited. This firm is associated with former militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo.
Open Letter Details Flaws in Current Security Arrangement
In a detailed open letter addressed directly to the President, the NDCJA characterized the existing contract structure as fundamentally flawed. The organization contends that this arrangement not only undermines national security but also compromises fiscal accountability within Nigeria's critical oil sector.
The letter was formally signed by Comrade Efe Justice, the Executive Director of NDCJA. He explicitly called on the Federal Government to refrain from renewing, extending, or modifying the current contract with Tantita Security Services.
Critique of Monopolistic Surveillance Framework
The NDCJA launched a sharp critique against what it describes as a monopolistic surveillance system. The group argues that this framework dangerously concentrates significant operational power and substantial financial resources into the hands of a single private operator.
According to the organization's analysis, such a centralized structure inherently weakens accountability mechanisms. Furthermore, it increases the risk of operational vulnerabilities that could compromise the protection of Nigeria's vital oil infrastructure.
Part of the letter stated: "Recent operations have uncovered illegal bunkering networks expanding into urban peripheries, riverine areas, and regions like Abia State in early 2026. This indicates that the monopolistic structure has failed to dismantle criminal syndicates and instead allows them to adapt and exploit systemic gaps."
Proposal for Decentralized Protection Model
The advocacy group proposed a comprehensive alternative: replacing the current centralized system with a fully decentralized model. This new approach would involve engaging contractors from each individual oil-producing state within the Niger Delta region.
The NDCJA maintains that opening the surveillance process to transparent and competitive bidding would achieve multiple objectives:
- Leverage local knowledge and intelligence networks
- Distribute economic opportunities more equitably across the region
- Foster greater community involvement and ownership
Comrade Justice elaborated: "The centralized, omnibus structure of the Tantita contract has ignited dangerous rivalries among former militant leaders, indigenous security companies, community groups, and various stakeholders. A decentralized framework would encourage healthy competition and significantly reduce tensions among those involved in securing our oil facilities."
Persistent Concerns Over Oil Theft Losses
The organization highlighted the ongoing challenge of crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal bunkering activities. Despite existing surveillance efforts, these criminal operations continue to cause staggering financial losses for the nation.
The group cited alarming estimates suggesting Nigeria could be losing as much as 15 billion dollars annually due to such illicit activities. This represents hundreds of thousands of barrels of crude oil each day at prevailing global market prices.
Accountability and National Security Implications
The NDCJA expressed profound concern about the broader implications of outsourcing a key national security function to a private firm associated primarily with a single individual.
Justice articulated this concern clearly: "Moreover, the ongoing dependence on one private firm inextricably linked to a single personality introduces serious operational vulnerabilities. Disruptions arising from disputes, legal challenges, or political changes could expose weaknesses that criminal networks might readily exploit."
Warning Against Contract Renewal
The group issued a stern warning against any potential renewal of the agreement, suggesting that such action could embolden individuals who have reportedly threatened the government in pursuit of the contract.
Justice stated emphatically: "The resort to threats by Tompolo and his allies to force the Federal Government into renewal of this billions-of-naira contract exposes the desperation of the individuals involved. Proceeding with renewal would only demonstrate that we have a weak government that bows to threats from criminal elements."
He added a broader caution: "No individual is more powerful than a country. The Tantita contract is building individuals that will prove problematic to control in the future, potentially creating security challenges beyond the current arrangement."
Final Demand for Immediate Action
The NDCJA concluded its appeal with a firm demand for immediate governmental action. The organization urged termination of the Tantita agreement without delay and the implementation of a new surveillance strategy prioritizing transparency and robust institutional oversight.
Justice summarized the position: "For all these compelling reasons, the NDCJA demands the immediate and unconditional termination of the Tantita contract and the prompt transition to a fully decentralized surveillance regime."
The proposed new system would involve contractors selected through open, competitive bidding processes in each Niger Delta state. These contractors would work in close coordination with federal security agencies, with their performance regularly assessed through independent, third-party audits to ensure accountability and effectiveness.
