Representative of Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Royal Father of the Day present the award to Dr. Paul Bebenimibo on behalf of Tantita Security Services Nig Limited
By Ejiro Nesisa
The Media Consultant to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, has said the company’s sustained efforts in protecting oil pipelines and other critical infrastructure across the Niger Delta have significantly increased Nigeria’s crude oil production, enhanced environmental safety, and stimulated economic activities in the region. Dr. Bebenimibo made the remarks while speaking on the sidelines of an award presentation by Blueprint Newspapers, which honoured Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited for its outstanding contributions to pipeline security and national development.
According to him, the award is further evidence that Tantita’s intervention in the Niger Delta is yielding measurable results, particularly in the fight against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, illegal bunkering, and other criminal activities threatening Nigeria’s oil industry. He noted that since the company assumed a major role in pipeline surveillance and protection in 2022, it has recorded remarkable success in securing 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,” Bebenimibo said. He explained that improved security around oil-producing communities has created an enabling environment for legitimate economic activities such as fishing and farming to gradually return.
Bebenimibo stated that Tantita remains committed to supporting efforts aimed at increasing Nigeria’s crude oil production to 2.5 million barrels per day, stressing that effective protection of oil infrastructure is crucial to achieving that target. He attributed the company’s success to the visionary leadership and extensive knowledge of the Niger Delta terrain by Tantita Chairman, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), as well as the deployment of modern surveillance technology.
According to him, the company now deploys drones and other advanced technologies to monitor the creeks and detect illegal activities. “We have acquired drones that are now picking up every illegal activity that is going on in the creeks,” he said. Beyond pipeline surveillance, Bebenimibo said Tantita has prioritized youth empowerment as part of its strategy to reduce insecurity and discourage young people from engaging in oil theft and other criminal activities. He disclosed that the company has employed more than 60,000 youths across the Niger Delta, who receive monthly remuneration.
In addition, he said Tantita has introduced skills acquisition programmes and provides grants to youths, women, and other members of host communities to support entrepreneurship and improve livelihoods. “Tantita is not just employing the youths. It is also giving them skills and promoting their businesses by providing grants to youths, women and men,” he stated.
According to him, the combination of employment opportunities, skills development, and community empowerment has contributed significantly to reducing crime in several parts of the Niger Delta. Speaking on the company’s relationship with the media, Dr. Bebenimibo described journalists as critical partners in promoting transparency and communicating Tantita’s contributions to national development.
He revealed that the company has constructed a Correspondents’ Secretariat in Warri, Delta State, and plans are underway to establish similar facilities in other Niger Delta states, as well as a national media centre for journalists. He said the initiative underscores Tantita’s commitment to strengthening media relations and ensuring Nigerians are adequately informed about the company’s activities and contributions.
Bebenimibo expressed confidence that sustained collaboration among security agencies, oil companies, host communities, the media, and private security contractors would further strengthen the protection of Nigeria’s oil infrastructure, boost crude oil production, and increase national revenue.