The National Assembly of Nigeria has endorsed the country’s restructured pipeline surveillance framework, passing a vote of confidence in Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) for their role in tackling crude oil theft and safeguarding critical infrastructure.
The endorsement followed a one-day parliamentary roundtable on pipeline security and crude theft, where a Joint Committee on Petroleum Resources dismissed three petitions challenging the surveillance contract after petitioners failed to appear to substantiate their claims.
Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Midstream), Henry Okojie, said current production figures validate the effectiveness of the initiative.
“We have seen measurable, verifiable results, and the facts do not lie. Nigeria is producing about 1.8 million barrels per day today – a massive turnaround from the 900,000 barrels per day recorded before this system was introduced in 2022″, he said.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, warned that Nigeria cannot afford complacency amid shifting global energy dynamics.
“Crude oil remains the engine of the world’s transportation and industrial systems. With global tensions disrupting supply routes, Nigeria cannot afford internal leakages and sabotage”, he stated.
He referenced global disruptions, including tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and the Russia–Ukraine conflict, noting that such crises underscore the need for domestic resilience.
Tajudeen traced the roots of crude theft in the Niger Delta to years of environmental degradation and community neglect, which fueled vandalism and illegal bunkering.
“Before reforms, Nigeria was losing between 10 to 30 per cent of daily crude output to theft—a national tragedy”, he said.
He described the federal government’s 2022 adoption of a community-based surveillance model featuring private operators like Tantita as a turning point.
“When communities become partners, not bystanders, the results are clear. Illegal connections are being uncovered, production is stabilising, and confidence is returning to the sector”, the Speaker added.
Executive Director of Operations and Technical at Tantita, Captain Warredi Enisuoh, attributed the company’s success to strong community engagement.
“Our achievements reflect the sacrifices of our personnel and the trust we’ve built with host communities. They understand the terrain, the risks, and they are committed to protecting national assets”, he said.
Tajudeen also highlighted the socio-economic impact of the initiative, noting that thousands of youths in the Niger Delta have gained employment through the programme, reducing restiveness and fostering stability.
While acknowledging ongoing challenges, he stressed the need for sustained legislative oversight and stricter enforcement under frameworks such as the Petroleum Industry Act.
“We have made progress, but the mission is far from over. We will continue to strengthen transparency, accountability, and enforce zero tolerance for sabotage”, he said.
Engaged in 2022, Tantita operates a community-driven surveillance system that integrates local intelligence, rapid response, and collaboration with security agencies.
Its partnership with NNPC has been widely credited with boosting oil production and improving government revenues.