The Executive Director, Operations and Technical Services, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), Captain Warredi Enisuoh has unveiled TSSNL carbon credits plans for the oil and gas rich Niger Delta region.
He revealed that through innovative carbon credit initiatives, the region could generate as much as $320 million annually by harnessing its vast vegetation and untapped environmental potentials.
Enisuoh who stated this at his investiture as an honourary doctorate recipient and lifetime achievement awardee from Highstone Global University, Texas, United States of America (USA) averred that TSSNL revolutionary vision for the Niger Delta is hinged on what he called “sustainability and economic diversification”.
While expressing gratitude to High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo and TSSNL staff, the maritime expert reflected on the remarkable impact the Niger Delta has had on his life since relocating to Delta State.
The TSSNL Executive Director pat the people of the Niger Delta on the back for their resilience and resourcefulness just as he noted that the region which he described as the face of Nigeria’s littoral identity, is poised for a shift beyond its traditional focus on oil and gas.
According to him, the carbon credit initiative represents a ground breaking opportunity for communities within the maritime area, many of which remain rich in vegetation despite years of environmental degradation. Tantita goal is to make the communities in the region to be economically independent of oil and gas by engaging them in carbon credit generation and carbon capture programmes.
Enisuoh who was hitherto an Executive Director, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) revealed that a research conducted in the region, mapped areas with approximately 50,000 trees could generate $320 million annually, providing a sustainable alternative income stream for the people.
He stressed the importance of demarcating maritime borders, streamlining environmental programmes, and conducting extensive sensitization campaigns to ensure the success of the carbon credit initiative.
According to him, the project is not merely about financial gains but about preserving the environment for future generations. We have a deep commitment to reversing decades of environmental degradation in the Niger Delta. The initiative is part of a broader effort to reclaim the region’s natural beauty and secure a viable future for its communities.
The TSSNL Executive Director emphasized the importance of changing behavioral patterns in the Niger Delta to foster a more investor-friendly environment just as he pointed out that sensitizing communities to move away from harmful activities will attract investors who can bring development and create much-needed jobs.
He maintained that achieving these goals requires collaboration with federal and state governments, as well as private sector involvement, to ensure all programmes align with scientific best practices and legal frameworks.
He expressed optimism that the region has huge prospects with the potentials for substantial revenue from carbon credits, increased ecosystem restoration and improved maritime security.
In order to make a success of the initiative, the maritime expert stressed the need for a scientific validation and alignment with Nigeria’s Climate Change Act of 2021.
He acknowledged the progress made in restoring the Niger Delta’s ecosystem by the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) through its pipeline protection programmes during the administration of former President Mohammadu Buhari and its continuity by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
According to him, these efforts have led to a resurgence of marine life in previously degraded waters, with fish, crayfish and other aquatic species gradually returning. Despite the achievements, the challenges posed by illegal ships entering Nigerian waters remains. There is need for stricter maritime security.
The National Security Adviser, Alhaji Nuhu Ribadu and other stakeholders were also praised for their efforts in working towards securing Nigeria’s maritime wealth.
According to Enisuoh, the Niger Delta is on the verge of a transformative era. We acknowledge the immense contributions of the littoral states which have brought global attention to the region not just through oil and gas but through its vast untapped potentials.
