“Enough Is Enough”: Olowu Faults Pondi, Demands Probe of Tantita Contract
By Chief Mathias Efe Olowu
A civil society group has taken a swipe at the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Limited, Mr. Keston Pondi, over his presentation before the National Assembly, describing his claims as misleading and capable of distorting public understanding of Nigeria’s oil production figures.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the National Chairman of Odavwe R’Urhobob, Chief Mathias Efe Olowu, dismissed as inaccurate Mr. Pondi’s assertion that Nigeria’s crude oil production fell below one million barrels per day before the award of pipeline surveillance contracts in 2022.
Olowu maintained that verifiable records show that the country’s oil output stood at about 1.6 million barrels per day prior to the contract, but declined to approximately 1.3 million barrels per day shortly after the deal was awarded.
He further noted that production remained largely stagnant between 1.3 and 1.4 million barrels per day over the past three years, despite what he described as huge financial commitments to the surveillance arrangement.
Describing the trend as worrisome, the group said the development raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of the contract and its overall impact on the nation’s economy.
The statement, however, linked the recent rise in production figures, reportedly peaking at about 1.8 million barrels per day—to sustained public pressure and advocacy by concerned stakeholders, including activist Fejiro Oliver.
Olowu argued that the sudden increase calls into question the performance of the surveillance framework since 2022, particularly as the improvement appears concentrated within Tantita’s operational corridor.
He queried how oil theft allegedly thrived under the company’s watch over the years, insisting that Nigerians deserve clear answers.
The group therefore called on the Federal Government to institute an independent and transparent investigation into the matter.
It also criticised the ongoing probe by the National Assembly, describing it as an attempt to “whitewash failure and protect vested interests.”
Drawing parallels with past legislative controversies, the statement referenced the bribery scandal involving former lawmaker Farouk Lawan and businessman Femi Otedola, noting that such incidents undermined public trust in oversight processes.
Olowu further urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to extend its investigation to both Tantita Security Services Limited and members of the National Assembly committee handling the probe, stressing that anyone found culpable should face prosecution.
The group also called for the immediate termination of the Tantita contract and advocated the decentralisation of pipeline surveillance operations across host communities in the Niger Delta.
According to the statement, involving local communities directly in the protection of oil infrastructure would promote accountability and reduce the risks associated with monopoly control.
“No single company should be allowed to dominate a critical national asset at the expense of the people,” Olowu said, warning against policies that reward inefficiency and weaken the nation’s economic stability.
He emphasised the need for transparency, accountability and inclusive participation in the management of Nigeria’s oil resources.
Chief Mathias Efe Olowu is the National Chairman of Odavwe R’Urhobob and a Fellow of the International Institute of Journalism.
