A coalition of stakeholders, Concerned Niger Delta Patriots for Transparency and Resource Justice, CNDPTRJ, has asked President Bola Tinubu to terminate the multi-billion naira pipeline surveillance contract over concerns bordering on alleged conflict of interest.
The contract, meant to curb oil theft and boost Nigeria’s oil production capacity, is being handled by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, owned by a former Niger Delta militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
In a statement on Sunday, signed by Comrade Maxwell Efe, the coalition, comprising community leaders, youth groups, environmental advocates and other stakeholders from oil-bearing communities across the Niger Delta, argued that Tompolo’s dual role as both pipeline protector and alleged beneficiary of an oil well creates a conflict of interest.
“At the heart of this scandal is the disturbing fact that the very man entrusted with protecting Nigeria’s oil pipelines and facilities is himself allegedly linked to ownership of an oil well,” the statement said.
According to the coalition, the development could lead to compromises in surveillance efforts, to favour personal and business interests.
The coalition faulted the way the pipeline protection contract was structured, noting that it concentrated enormous power and funds in the hands of a single individual, creating what it described as a dangerous monopoly that sidelines broader community participation and genuine stakeholders.
Despite billions of naira spent, the coalition said oil theft, illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism have persisted, while host communities continue to suffer environmental degradation and exclusion.
The Concerned Niger Delta Patriots for Transparency and Resource Justice urged President Tinubu to act without delay by directing the immediate termination, or non-renewal, of the contract. The coalition also asked the President to order a comprehensive forensic audit of all expenditures and performance.
In the same vein, the President was asked to convene a broad-based Niger Delta Security Summit to design a truly inclusive, transparent, and sustainable surveillance framework involving multiple ethnic nationalities and local groups.
“The eyes of the region and the entire nation are on you, Mr. President.
“History will judge whether you stood on the side of entrenched interests or chose the path of bold reform needed to secure our oil assets for the benefit of all Nigerians,” the statement added.
