By Ogheneruona Tejiri, Effurun
The Host Communities of Nigeria (HOSCON) Producing Oil & Gas has raised concerns over what it described as an alleged attempt to undermine the operations of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, warning that any disruption to the company’s activities could have serious economic consequences for Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy.
In a letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, HOSCON leadership alleged that certain interests within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) were frustrating the operations of Tantita through delayed payments for services already rendered, a situation the group said could threaten the gains recorded in crude oil production and pipeline security across the Niger Delta.
The letter, signed by the Chairman of HOSCON and Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, HRM King Monday Whiskey, urged the President to urgently investigate the allegations and take proactive measures to prevent a potential crisis capable of affecting national revenue generation.
According to HOSCON, intelligence gathered from sources within and outside the region suggests that individuals who previously benefited from crude oil theft and illegal bunkering may be seeking new ways to weaken the surveillance architecture that has significantly reduced pipeline vandalism and oil theft in recent years.
The group claimed that delays in the release of operational funds to Tantita have resulted in salary backlogs and outstanding payments to subcontractors, creating concerns among workers and raising fears of possible disruptions to surveillance operations.
HOSCON warned that any breakdown in the activities of the pipeline surveillance contractor could expose critical oil infrastructure to renewed attacks, oil theft and vandalism, potentially reducing crude oil output and undermining federal government revenue at a time when the country is seeking to strengthen economic recovery and boost foreign exchange earnings.
The organization noted that improved pipeline security has played a major role in increasing crude oil production, restoring investor confidence and improving environmental conditions in oil-producing communities.
It argued that the success of the surveillance initiative should be protected and strengthened, rather than subjected to administrative bottlenecks that could jeopardize national economic interests.
“The stability of Nigeria’s oil sector is directly linked to the nation’s economic wellbeing. Any action capable of weakening the security framework protecting critical oil assets could have far-reaching consequences for government revenue, investment inflows and community livelihoods,” the group stated.
HOSCON further stressed that thousands of workers, contractors and host community beneficiaries depend directly and indirectly on the operations of Tantita, making timely funding essential not only for security purposes but also for sustaining jobs and economic activities across the Niger Delta.
The group commended the role played by Tantita Security Services in combating crude oil theft and safeguarding national assets, noting that the company’s operations have contributed to improved environmental protection and increased oil production.
It therefore called on the Federal Government to prioritize funding for critical pipeline surveillance operations and ensure that all contractual obligations are met promptly to safeguard Nigeria’s strategic economic interests.
HOSCON also urged relevant authorities to investigate the alleged delays and address any issues capable of undermining efforts to secure oil infrastructure, insisting that national economic stability should take precedence over individual or institutional interests.
The group maintained that preserving the gains made in the fight against crude oil theft remains vital to sustaining government revenues, protecting investments and advancing economic development in the Niger Delta and across the country.Alternative Headlines:
