Ijaw youths ask stakeholders to support Tantita in curbing oil theft

October 18, 2023 3:42 am

The Ijaw Youths Network has called on stakeholders in the Niger Delta to support Tantita Security Services in reducing the harrowing theft of the nation’s crude oil resources.

In a statement on Tuesday, Frank Ebikabo, the IYN coordinator, and Federal Ebiaridor, secretary of the organisation, said the award and renewal of the contract went through a competitive bidding process in strict adherence to the laws.

The youth organisation said the Niger Delta would have more to gain than any recourse to strife, protest, and sabotage.

The group said the award of a critical contract for the protection of pipelines which is central to the nation’s economy cannot be subject to sentiments.

The IYN called on the leadership of Tantita to collaborate with stakeholders — including those who opposed the company’s bid for the renewed contract.

The group also urged the company to ensure effective justification of the huge confidence reposed by the president and the leadership of the NNPC by increasing crude oil production in the country.

“The Ijaw Youth Network met at Gelegelegbene, Edo State, on Thursday, to deliberate on issues of interest affecting the Ijaw nation prominent among which was the issue of opposition from unexpected quarters against the Tantita Security Services Limited,” the statement reads.

IYN called on all indigenes of the Niger Delta who made unsuccessful attempts to get the contract for pipeline protection to join forces with Tantita to fight the “dangerous oil thieves” in Nigeria.

“We are in no doubt that Tantita Security Services Limited which engaged a total of 17,500 and other prominent people from the Niger Delta in the campaign against oil theft will focus on youth engagement,” the group said.

“We also call on the sponsors of Tantita Security Services Limited to sustain their magnanimity in victory by extending the hand of fellowship to others.”

IYN encouraged the company to be firm in pursuing its goal to rid the country of the scourge of oil theft.