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The leadership of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Federal Government to hasten the renewal of pipeline surveillance contract, hitherto handled by Tantita Security Services, hinging its position on the company’s intelligence support services, job creation initiatives and youth empowerment programmes.
NANS President, Comr. Akinteye Babatunde Afeez made the appeal, when he led other Executive members of the students group on a courtesy call to High Chief Kestin Ebimorbowei Pondi, Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited to explore areas of partnership for students welfare.
According to him, Nigeria’s oil and gas sector has, for decades, remained the backbone of the national economy, contributing substantially to government revenue, foreign exchange earnings, infrastructure development, and overall national growth.
Afeez said, “As a conscious, objective, and meticulous student leader, I wish to unequivocally state that, contrary to the calls by certain detractors urging the Federal Government to discontinue the services of and terminate its contract with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) holds a contrary position and gives full credence to the Company and its contributions to national development”
In a press statement on Sunday, signed by Ogunjimi James, Chief Press Secretary to the NANS President, said its position was influenced by the remarkable track record of Tantita Security Services, which has distinguished itself through outstanding contributions to national security, particularly in the protection of critical oil and gas infrastructure.
He said the company has also demonstrated exceptional dedication to safeguarding the economic stability of the nation through its effective surveillance operations and community development efforts across the Niger Delta region and beyond.
Buttressing his claims, Afeez said the security firm plays a significant role in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic mainstay through its advanced, technology-driven oil and gas pipeline surveillance system, asset protection initiatives, intelligence support services, and comprehensive security operations across the Niger Delta region.
While engaging the firm’s management on areas of collaboration, NANS maintained that students are critical stakeholders in national development, hence promoting their welfare, advancement, and overall development should remain a foremost priority of all stakeholders.
The NANS President appealed to Chief Pondi to consider expanding the Company’s scholarship initiative to accommodate a greater number of Nigerian students through both local and international scholarship opportunities.
According to NANS President, access to quality education and global exposure would not only enhance the academic and professional capacities of students but also equip them with the requisite knowledge, skills, and competencies to compete on the global stage.
He emphasized that investing in the education and development of Nigerian students was an investment in the future of the nation.
His words, “beyond educational support through scholarship programmes, Tantita Security Services should explore avenues for creating employment opportunities for Nigerian students and graduates”.
Responding, Chief Pondi lauded the NANS leadership and affirmed that, for the overall growth and development of the nation, the Company remains committed to collaborating with Nigerian students.
He reiterated that TSSNL is a private security company engaged in the protection of Nigeria’s critical oil and gas infrastructure, particularly within the Niger Delta region, adding that through intelligence-led operations, advanced surveillance systems, and community-based security engagement, the Company has played a significant role in reducing crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal bunkering activities that previously resulted in substantial production losses.
He further stated that, as a result of improved security and reduced disruptions, Nigeria has recorded increased crude oil output and improved operational efficiency across key production and export facilities.
He added that the Company has also contributed significantly to socio-economic stability through job creation, youth engagement, and community empowerment initiatives within host communities.
He went on to assure the NANS delegation of the firm’s commitment to the welfare and advancement of Nigerian students and approved the request for scholarship support, covering both local and international schemes, as well as job opportunities for graduates and stakeholders.
He also approved mobility support for the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students.
