By Jimitota Onoyume

The National Coordinator of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) on Anti-Pipeline Vandalism and Product Monitoring, Alhaji Musa Saidu, has cautioned against any attempt to fragment or terminate the pipeline surveillance contract currently handled by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL).

Saidu praised Tantita for its impressive performance, noting that the company has significantly improved security in the Niger Delta region.

“Bringing Tantita to handle pipeline surveillance is a good one. The contract should not be terminated. The rivers are clean, the region is clean. If you terminate Tantita’s job it will not be good,” he said.

He alleged that some individuals calling for the fragmentation of the contract are motivated by personal interests rather than the development of the region.

“Some of those asking for fragmentation of the surveillance jobs are asking for money to line their pockets the way they did at the beginning of the amnesty programme. They collected money for their boys and diverted them,” Saidu added.

The IPMAN leader also urged the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and political leaders from the region holding key government positions to focus on meaningful development projects.

He commended Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for his impressive developmental strides, particularly in road infrastructure across the state.

“Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State is doing great, opening Bayelsa. Go and see roads constructed by his government all over the state. This is what we want to see also from agencies like the NDDC in all the states in the region,” Saidu said.

While acknowledging the federal government’s efforts and concessions to the Niger Delta, Saidu noted that more needs to be done. He called on regional politicians to utilize their positions to attract more development and ensure the fulfilment of outstanding federal government promises to the area.

Saidu also extended Easter greetings to Christians across the country.

The comments were made in a recent statement where he reflected on the region’s struggle for development and the role of various stakeholders in driving progress.