Traditional rulers in Rivers State have urged the Federal Government to retain the current pipeline surveillance arrangement in the Niger Delta, warning that decentralising the contract could reverse recent security gains.
The monarchs made their position clear during an expanded press briefing in Port Harcourt on Saturday, where they reviewed the performance of the surveillance framework introduced in 2022 to curb crude oil theft and vandalism.
At the centre of the debate is the surveillance contract managed by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, which the traditional rulers said has greatly improved safety across oil-producing communities in Rivers State and neighbouring areas.
Speaking on behalf of the monarchs, the Traditional Ruler of Abuloma, HRM Bright Fiboinumama, said the existing structure had restored order and stability in communities long affected by illegal bunkering.
He said traditional rulers across Rivers State were united in opposing any move to fragment the contract, arguing that decentralisation could create confusion and weaken coordination on the waterways.
Fiboinumama also commended President Bola Tinubu for entrusting the contract to High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, describing the appointment as a source of pride for communities in the Niger Delta.
Adding his voice, the Amanyanabo of Kula Kingdom, Kroma Eleki-Sara XIV, said the impact of the current surveillance system was already evident in daily life.
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He stated that waterways were now safer, illegal bunkering had reduced sharply, and fishing activities had resumed, allowing residents to return to their traditional livelihoods without fear or environmental damage.
The monarchs warned that dividing the contract among multiple operators could undermine the progress recorded so far, potentially reopening space for oil theft, pollution and community unrest.
While some stakeholders have been pushing for decentralisation on the grounds of inclusivity and wider participation, the traditional rulers rejected that argument, insisting that efficiency and consistency were more critical at this stage.
The Amanyanabo of Bukuma, Stephen Tobins, said the success of the surveillance effort was rooted in a clear command structure and sustained engagement with host communities.
Rather than restructuring the contract, the monarchs called on the Federal Government to strengthen the existing framework, improve oversight and deepen collaboration with local leaders to secure critical oil infrastructure.
They argued that a unified approach would better protect production levels, support environmental recovery and maintain stability in the Niger Delta.