From Abdullateef Bambgose
A legal practitioner and security expert, Blessing Agbomhere, has called on the Federal Government to sustain the petroleum pipeline surveillance contract coordinated by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Government Ekpemupolo, describing it as a strategic instrument vital to Nigeria’s economic stability and national security.
In a letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, and the leadership of the National Assembly, Agbomhere said the surveillance framework operated through Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and other indigenous firms has significantly curbed crude oil theft and boosted production levels in the Niger Delta.
He noted that Nigeria’s petroleum sector had in recent years faced severe challenges, including widespread crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, which undermined national revenue. According to him, oil production dropped below the country’s OPEC quota, leading to substantial revenue losses, weakened investor confidence, and increased fiscal pressure.
Agbomhere said conventional security deployments struggled to contain criminal networks operating across creeks and offshore installations in the region, but the introduction of a community-based surveillance model marked a turning point.
Under Ekpemupolo’s coordination, the initiative reportedly led to the discovery and dismantling of illegal tapping points, destruction of illegal refining sites, interception of illicit crude transportation routes, and improved stability along major trunk lines.
He maintained that oil production has recorded measurable improvement since the surveillance regime was introduced, contributing to increased inflows into the Federation Account and enhancing macroeconomic stability.
Agbomhere further highlighted the broader security implications of the contract, recalling the Niger Delta’s history of militancy and agitation linked to economic marginalization and disputes over oil resources. He argued that involving local stakeholders in a structured security framework has reduced incentives for sabotage, created legitimate economic opportunities for youths, and strengthened intelligence-sharing between communities and federal authorities.
He described the surveillance arrangement as not merely protective of pipelines but also instrumental in promoting regional peace and stability.
Addressing recent calls for the cancellation of the contract, Agbomhere urged caution, suggesting that some opposition may be driven by interests affected by intensified anti-theft operations. He warned that abrupt termination could create a security vacuum, encourage the resurgence of bunkering activities, and jeopardize national revenue.
While acknowledging the need for transparency and accountability, he stressed that legislative oversight and performance audits are essential in a democratic system. However, he cautioned against dismantling a functioning security framework without evidence of non-performance or wrongdoing.
Agbomhere called on the President, the National Security Adviser, and members of the National Assembly to rely on empirical evidence in their decisions, safeguard national revenue, and consolidate the gains achieved in the South-South region.
He described the surveillance contract as a strategic safeguard for Nigeria’s economic lifeline and urged policymakers to preserve the stability it has helped to restore.
