By David Lawani, Abuja
Tantita Nigeria Limited’s sustained surveillance of oil pipelines and critical infrastructure across the Niger Delta has contributed to improved crude oil production, enhanced environmental security and increased economic activities in oil-producing communities, the company’s Media Consultant, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, has said.
Bebenimibo, who also serves as Special Adviser to Tantita Chairman, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, disclosed this while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of an award presented to Tantita by Blueprint Newspapers for its contributions to pipeline security and national development.
He said the recognition reflected the growing impact of the company’s operations in combating oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other illegal activities that have continued to undermine Nigeria’s oil sector.
According to him, Tantita’s expanded role in pipeline surveillance since 2022 has led to significant improvements in the protection of oil facilities across the Niger Delta.
“Over the years, awards have been coming in, and that shows that Tantita is really doing the job very well,” he said.
Bebenimibo noted that improved security in oil-producing communities was also helping to restore legitimate economic activities, particularly fishing and farming, which had been disrupted by insecurity and environmental degradation.
He said Tantita remained committed to supporting efforts to raise Nigeria’s crude oil production to 2.5 million barrels per day, stressing that securing pipelines and other oil infrastructure was essential to achieving the target.
The media consultant attributed part of the company’s operational success to Tompolo’s extensive knowledge of the Niger Delta terrain, particularly the creeks and communities where oil facilities are located.
He said such familiarity had enabled the company to develop surveillance strategies suited to the peculiar security challenges of the region.
Bebenimibo further disclosed that Tantita had incorporated modern technology, including drones, into its surveillance operations to monitor activities in the creeks and identify illegal operations.
“We have acquired drones that are now picking up every illegal activity that is going on in the creek,” he said.
Beyond surveillance and security operations, Bebenimibo said the company had made youth empowerment a major component of its intervention in the Niger Delta.
He disclosed that more than 60,000 youths were currently engaged by the company and receiving monthly payments.
According to him, Tantita has also introduced skills acquisition initiatives and provided grants and other forms of support to youths, women and other members of host communities to strengthen legitimate livelihoods.
“Tantita is not just employing the youths. It is also giving them skills and promoting their businesses in the area by giving grants to youths, women and men,” he said.
He explained that combining employment opportunities with skills development and economic support had helped reduce the attraction of young people to oil theft, illegal bunkering and other criminal activities.
Bebenimibo also stressed the importance of the media in communicating Tantita’s activities and promoting transparency in its operations.
He disclosed that the company had established a correspondents’ secretariat in Delta State and was considering similar facilities in other Niger Delta states, as well as a national-level facility for journalists.
According to him, the initiative was designed to deepen engagement with the media and ensure that Tantita’s activities and contributions to national development receive adequate public attention.
He maintained that effective security in the Niger Delta required more than enforcement, arguing that sustainable peace would depend on creating economic opportunities for young people and supporting host communities.
Bebenimibo expressed optimism that stronger cooperation among security agencies, oil companies, host communities, the media and private security contractors would further improve the protection of Nigeria’s oil assets, increase production and strengthen government revenue.
