The joint committees on Petroleum Resources of the National Assembly have praised the efforts of Tantita Security Services, security agencies, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for improving oil production and safeguarding critical assets just as the committees have dismissed three petitions challenging the pipeline surveillance contract in question.
The resolution is sequel to a motion moved by Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Midstream), Henry Okojie in one-day parliamentary roundtable on pipeline security and efforts to curb crude oil theft. According to the committees, the surveillance arrangement has improved and boosted Nigeria’s oil output which paved way for 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 awarded. Okojie said available records indicate that Tantita and security agencies have made notable progress in the protection of the nation’s oil infrastructure, curbing vandalism has led to the increase country’s revenue.
On his part, Speaker, House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen said there is need to sustain the efforts of securing Nigeria’s oil sector amid global energy uncertainties. According to him, the parliamentary roundtable was an opportunity to consolidate on gains from the surveillance contract, address existing gaps, and strengthen transparency, accountability, and community engagement.
He said, with the Middle East crisis, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and other geographical tensions at present which have given room for global energy instability, crude oil remains main source of energy especially in the transportation sector. Tajudeen said, disruptions such as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have triggered price increases and supply shortages, with direct impacts on Nigeria’s economy. According to the Speaker, the pipeline surveillance contract has become a thing of necessity due to longstanding challenges in the Niger Delta – where agitation, weak enforcement, and economic hardship has led to pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and illegal refining of crude oil.
His words: “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.” According to him, the Federal Government’s decision to engage private security firms and host communities was to strengthen the protection of oil facilities saying that, community’s involvement has shown success recorded so far in the nation’s oil protection.
Tajudeen said the collaboration between private surveillance operators, security agencies, and local communities has helped in no small measure in the dismantling of many illegal tapping points, improved production levels, and increased delivery of crude to export terminals. His words: “Today, largely due to these efforts, Nigeria’s oil production has climbed to about 1.8 million barrels per day from previous lows.”
The Speaker highlighted the social impact of surveillance contract as it has created jobs for thousands of youths in the Niger Delta, many of whom were hitherto involved in agitation and illegal activities. Tajudeen however said despite the progress made so far in this regard, there are still challenges especially in the areas of transparency, accountability, and the effectiveness of certain surveillance frameworks adding that, the reports of ongoing crude oil theft see the need for continuous reforms and stronger oversight.
The Speaker therefore reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to tackling challenges in the oil sector through legislation, oversight, and funding support. He made reference to 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.
According to him, under the PIA, host communities risk losing benefits if vandalism occurs within their areas as this would give room for a sense of shared responsibility in protecting oil assets. Tajudeen further said 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.
According to him, crude oil theft should be treated not only as an economic crime but as a national security threat requiring coordinated action. He urged stakeholders to reposition Nigeria as a reliable energy supplier in the global market. His words: “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.”