Niger Delta Youth Council and Regional Stakeholders Endorse Federal Pipeline Security Reforms and Tantita Surveillance Model

Niger Delta stakeholders and the NYCN praise President Tinubu’s decentralized pipeline security and Tantita's role in boosting oil production for 2026.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 19, 2026, 6:49 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Nation Newspaper

Decentralization as a Strategy for Economic Recovery

The federal government's shift toward a more inclusive pipeline surveillance framework has received a formal endorsement from the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN). In a statement released on Thursday, March 19, 2026, the council’s Rivers State Chairman, Bani Nwisabari, characterized the policy review as a strategic move to enhance national revenue. According to the NYCN, by dismantling the previous monopoly over surveillance contracts and engaging a broader range of local stakeholders, the administration is fostering a sense of community ownership over critical national assets. This shift is expected to improve intelligence gathering and provide a more resilient security architecture for the country’s oil and gas infrastructure.

Empowering Host Communities Through HOSCOMs

A central component of the President’s reform involves deepened collaboration with Host Community Development Committees (HOSCOMs). The NYCN highlighted that this engagement ensures that those closest to the infrastructure have a direct stake in its protection. According to regional youth leaders, the decentralization of security operations—particularly in high-output areas like Rivers State—addresses long-standing grievances regarding exclusion. By empowering qualified local youths who possess intimate geographical knowledge, the administration is bridging the gap between national security needs and grassroots aspirations. This participatory model is credited with stabilizing host communities and reducing the friction traditionally associated with oil production.

Appraising the Impact of Tantita Security Services

While the government explores decentralization, current operators are receiving high marks for their performance on the ground. During an appraisal meeting in Tombia, Rivers State, community spokesmen and youth leaders commended Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited for its effectiveness in curbing oil theft. Operated by former militant leader Government "Tompolo" Ekpemupolo, the firm has held the surveillance contract since 2022. According to local stakeholders, the company's presence has led to a documented reduction in illegal refining activities, which in turn has contributed to the increased crude oil output recently confirmed by the NNPCL. The community credited the firm's deep grassroots network for these...