The joint committees on Petroleum Resources of the National Assembly on Wednesday dismissed three petitions challenging the pipeline surveillance contract brought before it.
The committee then passed a vote of confidence on Tantita Security Services, security agencies, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for improving oil production and safeguarding critical assets.
The Committee’s decision followed a motion moved by Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Midstream), Hon. Prince Henry Okojie, during a one-day parliamentary roundtable on pipeline security and efforts to curb crude oil theft.
The committee during the riundtable overwhelmingly backed Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, declaring it a “critical national asset” for its role in curbing crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
Over 300 senators and house representatives members passed a unanimous vote of confidence in Tantita, rejecting calls to decentralize or split its pipeline surveillance contract.
At the joint committee hearing, lawmakers dismissed petitions against Tantita, citing lack of evidence.
“There is no credible evidence to sustain any of the allegations.
” Accordingly, all complaints against Tantita are hereby dismissed,” said Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream).
He said : “Disrupting a system that is already delivering results would be counterproductive.”
“Our responsibility is to ensure stability,” said Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe.
The joint committee noted that the surveillance arrangement has significantly boosted Nigeria’s oil output, which has risen to about 1.8 million barrels per day as of April, compared to roughly 900,000 barrels per day recorded in 2022 when the contract was introduced.
Hon. Prince Okojie said available records showed that Tantita and security agencies have made notable progress in protecting oil infrastructure, curbing vandalism, and increasing national revenue.
He added : “We must strengthen what works, not dilute it. Nigeria’s economic security depends on disciplined execution.”
Speaking at the event, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Right Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, underscored the importance of sustained efforts to secure Nigeria’s oil sector amid global energy uncertainties.
He pointed to ongoing geopolitical tensions, including the Middle East crisis and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as factors driving global energy instability.
He said crude oil remains the dominant source of energy, particularly in the transportation sector.
According to the Speaker, disruptions such as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have triggered price increases and supply shortages, with direct implications for Nigeria’s economy.
Abass explained that the pipeline surveillance contract became necessary due to longstanding challenges in the Niger Delta, where agitation, weak enforcement, and economic hardship fueled pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and illegal refining.
“At a point, Nigeria was losing between 10 and 30 percent of its crude oil production to theft, costing the country billions of dollars annually and undermining its credibility as a reliable oil producer,” he said.
He noted that the Federal Government’s decision to engage private security firms and host communities was aimed at strengthening protection of oil facilities, stressing that community involvement has proven critical to the success recorded so far.
The Speaker highlighted that collaboration between private surveillance operators, security agencies, and local communities has led to the dismantling of many illegal tapping points, improved production levels, and increased delivery of crude to export terminals.
“Today, largely due to these efforts, Nigeria’s oil production has climbed to about 1.8 million barrels per day from previous lows,” he said.
Abass emphasized the social impact of the initiative, noting that it has created jobs for thousands of youths in the Niger Delta, many of whom were previously involved in agitation and illegal activities.
Despite the progress, he acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in the areas of transparency, accountability, and the effectiveness of certain surveillance frameworks.
He said reports of ongoing crude oil theft highlight the need for continuous reforms and stronger oversight.
The Speaker reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to tackling challenges in the oil sector through legislation, oversight, and funding support.
He cited key legal frameworks such as the Petroleum Production and Distribution (Anti-Sabotage) Act and the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which have introduced stricter penalties for vandalism and enhanced community participation through initiatives like the Host Community Development Trust.
He explained that under the PIA, host communities risk losing benefits if vandalism occurs within their areas, thereby promoting a sense of shared responsibility in protecting oil assets.
The Speaker added that the 10th National Assembly has intensified oversight on the implementation of the PIA, conducted investigative hearings on oil theft, and approved funding for pipeline security.
He stressed that crude oil theft should be treated not only as an economic crime but as a national security threat requiring coordinated action.
The Speaker described the roundtable as an opportunity to consolidate gains from the surveillance contract, address existing gaps, and strengthen transparency, accountability, and community engagement.
He urged stakeholders to reposition Nigeria as a reliable energy supplier in the global market.
“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,” he said.
Government officials, including Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle and NNPCL’s Managing Director, Bayo Ojulari, acknowledged Tantita’s contributions to improved oil output and reduced vandalism.
The National Assembly’s resolution reinforces a coordinated approach to protecting Nigeria’s oil infrastructure, seen as crucial to the country’s economic stability.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
