An Open Letter to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja
Date: March 4, 2026

Your Excellency,

We, the members of the Reformed Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum, write to you today with deep concern and a heartfelt plea for justice, inclusivity, and lasting peace in the Niger Delta region. Our alarm stems from the previous award of pipeline security contracts exclusively to Tantita Security Services, Maton Engineering, and PINL, an arrangement we view as self-serving and detrimental to the welfare of our people and the stability of our region.

The Niger Delta has endured decades of struggle, marginalization, and environmental degradation. Before the Amnesty Programme, each state in the region played an active and crucial role in fostering dialogue and peace. Bayelsa State, in particular, was at the forefront of efforts that ultimately brought about the relative peace we enjoy today. It is, therefore, both unfair and unjust to exclude the leaders who managed this delicate process in their respective states, only to hand over what rightfully belongs to the region to strangers with limited stake in our collective future.

The current contract structure ignores the sacrifices and contributions of these leaders and communities. It risks reigniting tensions and undermining the hard-won peace that has been sustained through years of dialogue and cooperation. We cannot allow greed to hijack the progress we have made.

We have witnessed firsthand how certain individuals, driven by self-interest, will stop at nothing to protect their gains—even if it means challenging the highest office in the land. There have been cases of oppression, intimidation, and false imprisonment against those who dare to speak out. This cannot be the foundation upon which our region’s security and development are built.

Therefore, Mr. President, we urge you to heed the voice of the people. We call for a review and restructuring of the pipeline protection contracts to ensure inclusivity, fairness, and transparency. Despite the trillions spent on these contracts, entities such as Tantita Security Service and Maton Engineering have not succeeded in boosting Nigeria’s crude oil production to 2 million barrels per day. We believe that dividing the pipeline contracts among various stakeholders within their respective states will effectively address the persistent issue of oil theft.

Specifically, we demand:

1. Immediate review of the pipeline security contracts ; to incorporate leaders and stakeholders from all Niger Delta states, from Bayelsa to Imo.

2. Inclusive representation ; that allows each state to manage and participate in the protection of pipelines within their territories, ensuring local ownership and accountability.

3. Fairness, equity, and transparency ; in the award and execution of these contracts, prioritizing the welfare of Niger Delta communities and the nation’s security.

The stability of the Niger Delta is inextricably linked to Nigeria’s economic and national security. By embracing an inclusive approach, you will not only honor the sacrifices of the past but also pave the way for sustainable peace and prosperity.

We stand ready to support any genuine efforts toward equitable resolution. For the sake of our region and our nation, let us choose unity over division, justice over exclusion, and peace over conflict.

Respectfully and hopefully,

Signed
Owoupele E. Owous
National Chairman,  
Reformed Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum