The Niger Delta Coalition Against Vandalisation of Oil Facilities (NDCAVOF), in an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has commended the Federal Government of Nigeria for "its strategic foresight in engaging Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) to provide pipeline surveillance services across onshore oil and gas assets in the Niger Delta."

The Niger Delta group led by its President, Dr. Powede Uyadonghan, also called on the Federal Government to extend the scope of the pipeline surveillance contract to include the offshore protection of oil and gas infrastructures it said are "still vulnerable to theft, sabotage, and other criminal activities."

According to the NDCAVOF, "In view of the vulnerability of offshore facilities, the group believes that extending the mandate of the security firm to include protection of offshore critical assets will help consolidate on the achievements made so far as it supports the safeguarding of Nigeria's oil and gas sector.

"Offshore installations remain critical national assets that are still vulnerable to theft, sabotage, and other criminal activities. Expanding Tantita's mandate will ensure a seamless, integrated, and intelligence-driven security architecture covering both onshore and offshore domains.

"We firmly believe that extending Tantita's scope of operation will consolidate the gains already recorded in the oil and gas sector, further safeguard Nigeria's economic lifeline, strengthen national security, and promote sustainable peace and stability in the Niger Delta region," it said.

The NDCAVOF's said its call is hinged on the plethora of successes recorded by TSSNL in the fight against sabotage and oil theft since the award of the onshore pipeline surveillance contract to the security firm that is chaired by High Chief (Dr.) Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo.

The group, while listing the numerous achievements of TSSNL said, "Since the commencement of its operations, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has demonstrated exceptional professionalism, operational capacity, and measurable impact in combating crude oil theft, pipeline vandalisation, illegal bunkering, and environmental degradation. The achievements recorded under its onshore surveillance mandate include:

"Significant reduction in crude oil theft and pipeline vandalisation across the Niger Delta, reportedly by as much as 79 percent within two years.

"Discovery and dismantling of numerous illegal refining sites and bunkering camps, and arrest of suspected oil thieves and seizure of vessels, barges, trucks, and equipment used for criminal operations.

"Deployment of intelligence-driven surveillance strategies, including drones and advanced monitoring technology, and strengthened collaboration with NNPCL and statutory security agencies in safeguarding critical oil infrastructure.

"Contribution to Nigeria's crude oil production recovery to about 1.8 million barrels per day, and enhanced national revenue through improved asset protection and reduced production losses.

"Employment of thousands of Niger Delta youths, promoting community participation and reducing restiveness and improved community engagement and grassroots intelligence gathering across host communities.

"Receipt of multiple national recognitions and awards for excellence in crude oil infrastructure security and outstanding performance in the oil and gas sector," the NDCAVOF noted.

Dr. Uyadonghan therefore appealed to the Federal Government to act decisively in granting the extension of the pipeline surveillance to include offshore in the interest of national security.

"In view of these remarkable achievements, the Niger Delta Coalition Against Vandalisation of Oil Facilities respectfully calls on the Federal Government to extend Tantita's pipeline surveillance contract beyond its current onshore scope to include offshore oil and gas facilities.

"The Niger Delta Coalition Against Vandalisation of Oil Facilities reiterates its unwavering support for all genuine efforts aimed at protecting Nigeria's oil and gas infrastructure and urges the Federal Government to act decisively in the national interest by approving this extension," the group appealed.

#penglobalcommunity #NDCAVOF #Tantita #pipelinesurveillance #NigerDelta