NASS Endorses Tantita Security, Rejects Petitions, Cites Boost in Nigeria’s Oil Production
Nigerian lawmakers pass vote of confidence on Tantita Security Services, dismiss petitions, and credit pipeline surveillance efforts for rising oil output and reduced vandalism.
ABUJA
The National Assembly has passed a resounding vote of confidence in Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, dismissing multiple petitions challenging its pipeline surveillance contract and affirming its role in safeguarding the country’s oil infrastructure.
The decision was reached during a joint session of the National Assembly Committees on Petroleum Resources following a one-day parliamentary roundtable focused on pipeline security and strategies to curb crude oil theft.
Lawmakers, drawn from both chambers, unanimously rejected calls for the decentralisation or fragmentation of the surveillance contract, citing lack of evidence in the allegations brought against the firm.
Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, stated that the petitions failed to present credible proof to warrant further action.
“There is no evidence to substantiate the claims contained in the petitions. On that basis, they are hereby dismissed,” he said.
Similarly, Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Midstream), Hon. Prince Henry Okojie, who moved the motion for the resolution, stressed the need to sustain initiatives already yielding measurable results.
“Disrupting a system that is already working would be counterproductive. Our focus should be on strengthening it,” Okojie noted.
Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe also supported the position, emphasizing that stability in the sector remains critical to national economic security.
Lawmakers observed that the pipeline surveillance arrangement, which involves collaboration between private security firms, government agencies, and host communities, has significantly improved Nigeria’s crude oil output. Current production levels have risen to approximately 1.8 million barrels per day, compared to about 900,000 barrels per day prior to the introduction of the initiative in 2022.
The committees credited Tantita and security agencies for curbing pipeline vandalism, dismantling illegal tapping points, and enhancing the protection of critical oil assets, thereby boosting national revenue.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, in his address, underscored the importance of sustained vigilance in securing Nigeria’s oil sector, particularly amid global energy uncertainties driven by geopolitical tensions.
He noted that conflicts in regions such as the Middle East and Eastern Europe continue to impact global oil supply and pricing, making it imperative for Nigeria to stabilise its production and maintain credibility as a reliable exporter.
Tajudeen explained that the engagement of private surveillance firms became necessary due to longstanding challenges in the Niger Delta, including oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal refining activities, which at some point led to losses of up to 30 per cent of the country’s crude output.
According to him, involving host communities in pipeline protection has been instrumental in reversing the trend, as it fosters local ownership and accountability.
“Community participation has proven to be a key factor in the progress recorded. It has helped in reducing sabotage and improving production levels,” he said.
The Speaker also highlighted the broader socio-economic benefits of the initiative, noting that it has generated employment opportunities for thousands of youths in the Niger Delta, many of whom were previously engaged in disruptive activities.
Despite the progress, lawmakers acknowledged lingering concerns around transparency, accountability, and the need for continuous monitoring of the surveillance framework. They stressed the importance of strengthening oversight mechanisms to ensure sustained gains.
Tajudeen reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to addressing challenges in the oil sector through legislative action and oversight, referencing existing laws such as the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which promotes community participation and imposes stricter penalties for sabotage.
He added that the 10th National Assembly would continue to prioritise funding and policy measures aimed at enhancing pipeline security and tackling crude oil theft, which he described as both an economic and national security threat.
Also speaking at the event, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), including Bayo Ojulari, commended the role of Tantita in improving oil output and reducing incidents of vandalism.
The endorsement by the National Assembly is expected to reinforce ongoing efforts to secure Nigeria’s oil infrastructure and sustain production levels, which remain critical to the country’s economic stability and global energy positioning.