Those Calling For Decentralization of Pipeline Surveillance Contract Are Enemies of Nigeria’s Economy
— Populist High Chief Wellington Bobo
By Wilson Macaulay
WARRI — A prominent Niger Delta leader and respected traditional figure, Populist High Chief Wellington Bobo, has strongly condemned growing calls for the decentralization of Nigeria’s pipeline surveillance contracts, describing such agitations as not only ill-conceived but detrimental to national economic stability.
Speaking during an interactive session with stakeholders and community leaders in the oil-rich Niger Delta region, High Chief Bobo, who holds the revered title of Oropouwei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, declared that those pushing for the fragmentation of the current surveillance framework are “enemies of Nigeria and its economy.”
According to him, the existing pipeline surveillance arrangement under TANTITA Security Services Nigeria Limited with deep-rooted community engagement—has significantly reduced crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and environmental degradation across the region.
He emphasized that prior to the present TANTITA structure, Nigeria suffered monumental losses due to incessant pipeline breaches and illegal bunkering, which crippled oil production and undermined the nation’s primary revenue source.
“We must speak truth to power and to the people. The results are clear and undeniable. Oil production has increased, pipeline vandalism has drastically reduced, and host communities are more peaceful and engaged. Why then would anyone advocate for a system that has previously failed?” Bobo queried.
The Niger Delta, which accounts for the bulk of Nigeria’s oil wealth, has historically grappled with insecurity, youth restiveness, and economic marginalization. However, Bobo noted that the involvement of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited in pipeline surveillance has fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility among community youths, thereby promoting peace and stability.
He pointed out that decentralization, is already in place through the various ethnic nationalities of the Niger Delta and beyond who handles the work in their respective areas.
He explained that those calling for another decentralization on a very serious note are the enemies of Progress.
He Called on President Bola Ahmed TINUBU, The Petroleum Minister ( Oil), the
Management of NNPCL and other relevant stakeholders to disregard the mischievous call on them to do otherwise because it is an invitation to anarchy.
He enjoined Mr President and others to continue to have trust on Tompolo and TANTITA Security Services Nigeria Limited Which have tried
so much in the employment / Empowerment of Niger Deltans, Promotion of Peace which have made democracy to thrive unfettered in the Niger Delta region and beyond.
Populist High
Chief Bobo warned that those negative
proposals borne out of selfish interest without conscience against Tompolo and TANTITA could reintroduce rivalry, duplication of roles, and a breakdown of coordination law and order in the Niger Delta
He advised those behind the campaign of calumny to retrace their steps for national peace to thrive in the interest of our economy and our people.
- Advertisement -
Populist High Chief Bobo once 6 lauded the performance of TANTITA Security Services Nigeria Limited currently handling pipeline surveillance, particularly highlighting their commitment, local intelligence network, and ability to respond swiftly to threats.
“What we are witnessing today is a product of trust and inclusion. The communities are carried along, and the results are evident. Decentralization will only open the floodgates for confusion, politicization, and ultimately, a relapse into the dark days of massive oil theft,” he warned.
He further argued that Nigeria’s economic survival is closely tied to the stability of its oil sector, stressing that any policy or action capable of disrupting oil production must be treated as a serious threat to national security.
The respected leader called on the Federal Government, particularly the relevant authorities in the petroleum and security sectors, to resist pressures from vested interests seeking to dismantle what he described as a “functional and result-oriented system.”
He urged policymakers to consolidate on the gains already recorded by Tantita by strengthening the existing surveillance structures rather than experimenting with untested alternatives that have no proof of competence.
Populist
High Chief Bobo also used the opportunity to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s commitment to improving oil sector governance and ensuring increased production output.
He stressed that sustained support for effective surveillance mechanisms would not only boost national revenue but also enhance investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Chief Bobo stressed that any attempt to alter the current arrangement without due consultation and empirical justification could reverse the hard-earned progress made in recent times.
As debates around the future of pipeline surveillance continue to gather momentum, High Chief Wellington Bobo’s remarks have added a strong voice of caution, reinforcing the need for policy decisions to be guided by proven results and national interest rather than sectional considerations.
For many observers, the message is clear: safeguarding Nigeria’s oil infrastructure is not merely a regional concern but a national imperative—one that must be approached with unity, strategic foresight, and unwavering commitment to economic stability of our nation, Chief Bobo concluded
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, APRIL 8TH 2026)
