The intellectual arm of the Ijaw struggle, the Ijaw Publishers' Forum (IPF), has called on ex-agitators and other stakeholders in the oil-rich Niger Delta region to look beyond oil pipeline surveillance contracts and focus on pressuring the Federal Government to address the real issues affecting the region.

The call was made at a press briefing in Warri, Delta State, by the IPF, led by its National President, Comrade Ozobo Austin, and Secretary, Comrade Tare Magbei, on Thursday, April 2, 2026.

The Forum noted that the agitation for the development of the region is currently misplaced and abandoned by ex-agitators who are now chasing pipeline surveillance contract and attacking Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.

"Despite being the hub of Nigeria’s oil production, the Niger Delta remains underdeveloped, with its resources exploited without commensurate benefit to the local population.

"It is disheartening that key actors in the Niger Delta have abandoned the core demands of environmental justice, resource control, self-determination, and the implementation of the National Conference report convened under President Goodluck Jonathan administration," it added.

On Tantita's securing of oil pipelines, the Forum noted that the security firm owned by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo is contributing massively to bettering the lives of the people of the region and as such Tompolo is not the problem.

It said further, "The current focus on the Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited contract is misplaced and distraction from these fundamental concerns. Tantita is not the problem, and neither is Tompolo. The gains from Tantita’s participation in pipeline surveillance are enormous and visible, including job creation, a significant increase in daily oil production, improved security, and visible commitment to service.

"However, attention should instead be directed towards critical demands such as the relocation of International Oil Companies’ operational headquarters to the Niger Delta, allocation of oil wells to indigenes, creation of additional states, and the rebuilding of communities affected by conflict, among others.

"It is also important to note that pipeline surveillance is not exclusive to Tantita. Other private security firms are engaged under the current arrangement, and the work is already shared across various stakeholders and regions. This reflects an existing level of decentralisation.

"Sadly, we don't talk about others handling the surveillance contract but Tompolo becomes a focus of attacks at all times. We wish to state that this is not good for our collective unity, struggle and development," the IPF stated.

The Forum therefore appealed to aggrieved stakeholders to "learn to settle our differences or misunderstanding in-house and not in the media space. It doesn't tell good about us as a people; we cannot achieve our struggles if leaders and stakeholders continue to fight among themselves. Let us stop the pull him down syndromes among ourselves.

"The reality remains that the Niger Delta is rich in oil and gas resources, yet its people continue to face poverty, neglect, and environmental degradation. Oil exploration has caused severe damage to the ecosystem and undermined traditional livelihoods. It is time for the people of the Niger Delta to demand more from the Nigerian government," the Forum added.

In conclusion, the IPF appealed to the "Federal Government and the International Oil Companies to take responsibility by addressing environmental damage, compensating affected communities, and investing meaningfully in the development of the region," while "all stakeholders, including government officials, traditional rulers, and community representatives, to rise above internal disputes and focus on achieving lasting solutions for the Niger Delta because we can't afford to fail our next generation."

The Forum further warned that "The people of the Niger Delta must not be distracted by secondary issues at a time when fundamental challenges remain unresolved" as the "struggle for resource control, environmental justice, and self-determination continues", demanding concrete and measurable action from the government and oil companies.

#penglobalcommunity #IPF #NigerDelta