Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE Nigerian Navy has dismissed reports of a frosty relationship with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), declaring that both organisations have continued to work closely in protecting Nigeria’s oil assets and improving security operations in the Niger Delta.
This came on Monday during the inauguration of several infrastructural projects at Nigerian Navy Ship Delta in Warri, where senior naval officers and executive of TSSNL praised the growing collaboration between the Navy and the private surveillance firm.
The projects inaugurated included a 30-room senior rates transit accommodation, an Executive Officer’s institutional house, car parks, lawn tennis and volleyball courts, as well as renovated administrative and recreational facilities within the Base.
Speaking at the event, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, said the partnership between the Navy and Tantita had significantly contributed to the protection of Nigeria’s crude oil infrastructure and increased production capacity across oil-producing states under the command.
He said the newly completed accommodation projects would improve the welfare and operational effectiveness of personnel serving in the Base, noting that officers who rest in comfortable facilities are better positioned to carry out demanding assignments.
The naval chief also used the occasion to dismiss speculations of tension between the Navy and Tantita, explaining that while minor issues had emerged in the course of operations, both parties had always resolved them internally and sustained a cordial working relationship since the 2022 surveillance contract awarded to the company.
“The relationship between Tantita and the Nigerian Navy goes a long way and that has to do with protection of Nigeria’s crude oil which is the main stay of the nation,” Ibrahim said.
“There has not been any frosty relationship between Tantita and the Navy. We’ve had a very cordial relationship. I was part of the 2022 surveillance contract that was awarded to Tantita and from there, we’ve had robust working relationship.”
He commended Tantita for sponsoring critical welfare projects for naval personnel, describing the intervention as a patriotic contribution to national security infrastructure.
“I must specially recognise and thank our esteemed partners, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, for their generous and patriotic sponsorship of two critical welfare projects,” he added.
He then charged the naval personnel to protect the assets urging them to use the facilities to sharpen their operational planning.
“I charge you to protect these assets. A commissioned project is only as good as its maintenance. Be vigilant, Security remains our primary mandate. Do not let the comfort of new facilities dull your edge. Be professional, utilize the renovated admin block and auditorium to sharpen your operational planning and administrative drills. Look around you and be proud. This Base is becoming a model of excellence in the Central Naval Command. Own that pride, and let it drive you to greater discipline and performance,” he added.
In his remarks the Commander of NNS Delta, Commodore Shehu Tasiu, said the projects reflected a deliberate commitment towards improving the welfare of personnel and strengthening operational readiness within the Base.
Commodore Tasiu explained that decent accommodation remained directly linked to efficiency, discipline and morale among naval officers tasked with securing the nation’s maritime environment and critical oil facilities.
He noted that the projects also highlighted the importance of collaboration between security agencies and responsible private sector actors in addressing the complex security challenges confronting the Niger Delta.
According to him, the Navy alone could not effectively secure the maritime domain without support from stakeholders, communities and organisations benefiting from a stable operating environment.
“These projects did not happen by accident. They happened because of deliberate support, clear vision, and a shared belief that those who defend our waters deserve good facilities including decent homes,” Tasiu said.
“This is more than corporate social responsibility. This is nation-building in action. When our sailors live in decent quarters, they are healthier, more focused, and more committed.”
He called on other corporate organisations and industry players to emulate Tantita by investing in welfare, healthcare, training and infrastructure projects for security personnel.
The naval commander further disclosed that the Base had undertaken several internal renovation and upgrade projects, including remodelling parts of the administrative block, improving the corps members’ lodge and expanding parking facilities to create a more conducive working environment.
Speaking with journalists after the inauguration, the Executive Director of Operations and Technical at Tantita Security Services Limited, Captain Warredi Enisuoh, said the company considered support for the armed forces a necessary responsibility.
Enisuoh said the Navy had remained professional and committed despite the difficult nature of its duties, stressing that the company’s decision to fund the projects was informed by the need to provide comfort for personnel safeguarding Nigeria’s waterways and oil facilities.
“We are respecters of the armed forces in Nigeria and they have been very noble. These are people who have signed up to exchange their lives for us to live and the least we can do is to give them comfort as much as possible before they are called upon in their next duties.”
He added that improved security across the Niger Delta would encourage more investments and help increase oil production for national economic growth.
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