Niger Delta Pipeline Surveillance: Stakeholders Demand Urgent Contract Review

 

​The discourse surrounding Nigeria's oil and gas infrastructure has taken a sharp turn as key Niger Delta stakeholders, operating under the aegis of the Niger Delta Safety Watch (NDSW), have formally called on President Bola Tinubu to initiate an immediate and comprehensive review of the ongoing pipeline surveillance contracts. This move comes amid growing concerns that the current security framework—largely dominated by private entities—is failing to meet critical national production targets and budget benchmarks.

​The Call for a Strategic Security Overhaul

​In a strongly worded letter addressed to the President, dated February 19, 2026, the NDSW highlighted a significant gap between the expected protection of national assets and the reality on the ground. The group, led by spokesman Chief Ebiowei Koro, argued that the continued reliance on private security firms for a function as sensitive as national security requires urgent reassessment.

​At the center of this debate is the contract currently held by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), a company owned by Chief Government Ekpemupolo (widely known as Tompolo). While the contract was initially celebrated as a panacea for oil theft, stakeholders are now questioning its long-term efficacy and sustainability in light of recent production shortfalls.

​Oil Production Shortfalls and Economic Implications

​The primary driver behind the demand for a review is the consistent failure to meet production quotas. According to data cited by the stakeholders:

• ​OPEC Quota: Nigeria's production remains significantly below the OPEC quota of 1.5 million barrels per day (mbpd).
• ​2026 Budget Benchmark: Current outputs fall far short of the Federal Government's 2026 budget benchmark of 1.84 mbpd.
• ​Cumulative Loss: Between January 2025 and January 2026, the country experienced a cumulative shortfall of approximately 18.12 million barrels.

​These figures represent more than just numbers; they translate into billions of dollars in lost revenue that could have been used to fund infrastructure, healthcare, and education across the federation. The NDSW maintains that "persistent shortfalls indicate that the expected level of pipeline protection has not been achieved," casting doubt on the return on investment of these multi-million dollar contracts.

​Friction Between Private Security and the Armed Forces

​One of the most contentious points raised by the stakeholders is the perceived friction between private contractors and the Nigerian Armed Forces. The NDSW criticized what they termed "shameless scapegoating," alleging that private firms often shift the blame to the military whenever surveillance outcomes fail to meet expectations.

​This tension is viewed as a threat to national security, as it undermines the morale and safety of military personnel who risk their lives daily in the creeks to protect the nation's economic heartland. Stakeholders are advocating for a more harmonious and coordinated approach, suggesting that greater synergy with established forces like the Joint Task Force (JTF) would yield more effective outcomes than isolated private operations.

​Demands for Inclusivity and Decentralization

​Beyond the technical and security aspects, there is a growing social demand for the decentralization of these contracts. Various groups, including the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT) and traditional rulers like the Amanyanabo of Bakana, King Lawrence Odum-Barboy, have raised concerns over a perceived "monopoly" in the award of these contracts.

​The argument is based on the following principles:

1. ​Equity Among Ethnic Nationalities: The Niger Delta is a diverse region. Stakeholders argue that host communities from all ethnic groups should have a hand in protecting the pipelines that traverse their own ancestral lands.
2. ​Compliance with the Local Content Act: Activists have pointed out that the Nigerian Local Content Act mandates that first consideration be given to local companies and personnel. By decentralizing contracts, the government can foster a sense of ownership and shared responsibility among a broader range of communities.
3. ​Sustainable Peace: Broadening the scope of participation is seen as a way to reduce tensions and eliminate the "winner-takes-all" mentality that often fuels communal unrest.

​The Alternative: Statutory Security Agencies

​A recurring suggestion from these advocacy groups is the return of surveillance duties to statutory bodies. High-profile activists such as Fejiro Oliver have proposed that if the current private-led structure cannot be made inclusive, the responsibility should revert solely to the Nigerian Navy and the Civil Defence (NSCDC). These agencies are constitutionally charged with such duties and, according to critics, should be empowered and adequately funded rather than being sidelined by private security outfits with budgets that sometimes exceed those of official state agencies.

​Looking Ahead: The "Renewed Hope" Agenda

​The call for a review places a significant decision on the desk of President Bola Tinubu. With the signing of Executive Order 9 and the ongoing implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the administration is clearly focused on maximizing oil and gas revenue for the Federation Account. Whether this vision includes a restructured pipeline surveillance framework remains to be seen.

​As the 2026 fiscal year progresses, the pressure will likely mount for a system that ensures not just the physical security of the pipes, but the economic security of the entire nation through meeting production targets and fostering regional peace.