HOSCON Traditional Rulers Call for Ports Decentralisation, Seek Expansion of Operational Scope of Tantita

The Host Communities Producing Oil & Gas (HOSCON) Traditional Rulers and Elders Advisory Council, have called on the Federal Government to expedite action on the moves to decentralised the nation’s seaports, saying the move by the by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) would not only shore up the national revenue, but create jobs and discongest regional roads.

Specifically, the traditional rulers called for full utilisation of Southsouth seaports, which they said would significantly boost the federal purse, while easing economic hardship in the Niger Delta.

Speaking at a press conference on the state of the nation in Jesse on Monday, Chairman of HOSCON Traditional Rulers and Elders Advisory Council and Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, His Majesty Udurhie I, flanked by other traditional rulers including HRM Ekpolo II, Ovie of Okpe Isoko; the Pere of Ogbolubiri Mein, HRM Polokowei Johnbull, the Igwete of Amai Kingdom, HRM Paul Ifeneziuche and the National Chairman of HOSCON, Dr. Micheal Emuh, noted the need to articulate their positions on ports decentralisation and other burning issues that concern the oil-rich region as the year 2026 begins.

“Federal Government should do all within its powers to ensure the full utilisation of Sapele, Warri, Burutu, Koko, Onne and the deep Ibom seaports all in the Southsouth zone as these have the capacities of creating numerous jobs and giving great relief to the roads in the Southsouth zone of the country,” he said.

HOSCON also demanded a deliberate and sustained rehabilitation of critical federal highways in the region, with emphasis on the Benin–Sapele–Warri axis and the Akwa-Ibom–Calabar corridor, describing them as economic lifelines that have suffered prolonged neglect.

“In the Southsouth zone, the Federal Government must employ deliberate approach to address the dilapidated roads from Benin City through Sapele, Warri, Ughelli, Port Harcourt, Oron, Akwa-lbom to Calabar,” the monarch stated.

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Appealing to the Presisent Bola Tinubu-led administration to prioritize people-oriented, legacy projects that would restore dignity and prosperity to the Niger Delta, it urged deeper inclusion of host communities in the oil and gas value chain, noting that true participation would enhance security and sustainable development.

The group also commended the performance of private oil surveillance firm, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), calling for an expansion of its mandate due to improved crude oil production and environmental restoration.

“We have no hesitation in calling on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgent national importance to expand the operational scope of Tantita Security project,” the council said.

It further endorsed reforms under the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), backing its current leadership and warning against “sponsored protests and unfounded allegations” that could derail youth-focused educational investments.

Recall that a policy statement by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to decentralise ports operations with focus in Delta ports over congestion constraints at Lagos ports caused reactions and counter reactions by stakeholders in November and December 2025.

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