As the ongoing controversy surrounding the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tompolo's Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited continues to intensify debate over the calls for its decentralisation amid allegations of imbalance, vested interests, and political undertones, media executive and Publisher of IduwiniVoice, Prince (Dr.) Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie, has described the campaign against the existing structure as “misdirected and suspicious,” questioning the underlying motives of those pushing for decentralisation.

While some groups and individuals have advocated for the fragmentation of the contract to accommodate more regional actors, others have strongly opposed the move, arguing that such agitation is selective and potentially counterproductive to the fragile peace and operational gains recorded by Tantita in recent times.

But according to Bibaikefie,“It is witchcraft that they left the owners of oil blocs and even other companies handling the same surveillance contract and are fixated on fighting Tompolo who graciously engaged everyone, thereby bringing benefits to all,” he asserted. 

“If their intentions were sincere, they would include the Olu's contract in their misadventure, better still first fight to own the oil blocs or marginal oil fields,” he added.

Bibaikefie further raised concerns over what he described as “selective activism,” noting that there has been little or no agitation regarding other pipeline surveillance arrangements, particularly those reportedly handled by firms such as the Pipeline Infrastructures Nigerian Limited.

“How do you make sense of the fact that nobody seeks decentralisation of similar or even larger surveillance contracts handled by others?” he queried. 

“Why must a man who played a visible role in the emancipation struggle of the Niger Delta be the one pressured to relinquish his litle opportunity? One which he has used to better the lives of thousands.”

However, the media executive of IduwiniVoice recall that the surveillance contract in question, awarded by the Nigerian government, is aimed at protecting critical oil infrastructure across the Niger Delta—a sector historically plagued by crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and environmental degradation.

Since its award to Tantita, a firm linked to former militant leader, industry reports indicate a significant reduction in oil theft and improved production output. Government officials have repeatedly cited enhanced community participation and local intelligence gathering as key drivers of this success.

However, critics—among them some ex-militant leaders and regional stakeholders—have argued that the contract should be decentralised to allow broader participation and prevent perceived monopolisation.

Proponents of decentralisation maintain that expanding the contract to include more indigenous operators would promote inclusivity, reduce tension among youth groups, ensure equitable distribution of economic opportunities.

Yet, opposing voices insist that such arguments may be driven more by economic rivalry than genuine developmental concerns. 

Bibaikefie noted that competence and fair aggitations must form the basis of their adventure, stressing that "You cannot be calling for the splitting of Tompolo's performing contract while turning a blindside to that of PINL which is reportedly bigger.

"This only mean one thing: envy towards Tompolo; Pull-Him-Down syndrome. What equity a fairness will you entrench when you have never mentioned PINL's contract in all your pressure for decentralisation?" he queried.

Bibaikefie echoed this sentiment, arguing that the focus on pipeline surveillance contracts alone reflects a narrow pursuit of benefits.

“Can’t others seek for drilling contracts, international vessel supply contracts, and other legitimate opportunities within and outside the oil and gas value chain?” he asked, calling for a broader and more strategic engagement with the region’s economic ecosystem rather than fixated witchhunt.

Amid the growing tension, several organisations and opinion leaders have urged restraint, adding that there's no guarantee that the contract must be awarded to another Ijaw man if it is withdrawn from Tompolo. Also, industry observers warn that destabilising existing surveillance frameworks without viable alternatives could reverse recent gains in crude oil production and security.

Bibaikefie also noted that pipeline surveillance in the Niger Delta is not merely a commercial engagement, but a sensitive component of national economic stability, requiring continuity, trust, and local legitimacy.

As the debate intensifies, Bibaikefie's message is clear; "Stop disturbing fellow Ijaws whenever very little gain is visible. Use those contacts and energy to seek for even bigger dividends from the federal government to increase our gains instead. Let us preserve and protect Tompolo's contract, an arrangement credited with measurable results."

For now, the Federal Government has not announced any formal decision to decentralise the Tantita contract, leaving the issue within the realm of public discourse and stakeholder advocacy.

The controversy underscores deeper questions about sincerity of the fight for resource control, internal strife, and post-conflict economic integration in the Niger Delta. While calls for decentralisation persist, voices like Bibaikefie’s highlight the need to interrogate motives, ensure fairness across the sector on the part of the naysayers, and avoidance actions that could undermine hard-earned stability in the region.

#penglobalcommunity #Tantita #pipeline #surveillance #NigerDelta