NASS Rules ‘Tantita Providing Critical National Assignment’

…Dismissed Opposition To Contract Renewal

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

The National Assembly has passed a resounding vote of confidence on Tantita Security Services Limited, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and security agencies for their role in safeguarding the nation’s crude oil assets, dismissing petitions against the renewal of Tantita’s pipeline surveillance contract as frivolous and untenable.

The resolution followed a motion moved by Henry Okojie, Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Midstream), during a one-day parliamentary roundtable on pipeline security and crude oil theft. Lawmakers cited improved security, reduced theft, and increased national revenue as clear evidence of the contract’s success.

Nigeria’s oil output has surged to 1.8 million barrels per day, up from about 900,000 barrels per day in 2022 when the surveillance arrangement was introduced. Okojie noted that records show significant progress in curbing vandalism, dismantling illegal tapping points, and boosting crude deliveries to export terminals.

On behalf of the House of Representatives, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, underscored the importance of sustaining these gains amid global energy uncertainties. He pointed to geopolitical crises in the Middle East and Eastern Europe as reminders of the need for Nigeria to secure its oil sector and present itself as a reliable energy supplier.

Tajudeen explained that the surveillance contract was born out of longstanding challenges in the Niger Delta, where agitation and weak enforcement had fueled theft and illegal refining. At one point, Nigeria was losing up to 30 percent of its crude output, costing billions annually; he explained. He emphasized that engaging private security firms and host communities has proven critical, creating jobs for thousands of youths while strengthening protection of oil facilities.

Despite progress, Tajudeen acknowledged that challenges remain in transparency and accountability, stressing the need for continuous reforms and stronger oversight. He reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to tackling oil sector challenges through legislation, oversight, and funding support, citing stricter penalties under the Petroleum Industry Act and community participation through the Host Community Development Trust.

“The world is searching for energy security, and Nigeria must present itself as a credible alternative. We cannot afford internal sabotage. Our message is clear: Nigeria is securing its assets, stabilizing production, and remains open for business,” Tajudeen declared.

With the dismissal of opposition petitions and the vote of confidence, the National Assembly has effectively reinforced Tantita’s role in what lawmakers described as a critical national assignment, protecting Nigeria’s oil wealth and ensuring stability in a volatile global energy market.