*Dismisses Petitions and Calls for Contract Split
No fewer than three petitions written against Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) in the execution of the multi-billion naira contract awarded to it by the Federal Government have been dismissed by the National Assembly.
The three petitions which contained several allegations against TSSNL besides challenging the pipeline surveillance contract were all thrown out.
In the same vein, the National Assembly also passed a vote of confidence on TSSNL, security agencies, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for their roles in protecting Nigeria’s oil assets and boosting crude oil production over the years.
The endorsement comes as Nigeria’s oil output rises to about 1.8 million barrels per day (mbpd) as of April up from around 900,000 barrels per day recorded in 2022 when the surveillance contract was given to the firm.
The resolution followed a motion moved by the Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Midstream), Hon. Henry Okojie during a one-day parliamentary roundtable on pipeline security and efforts to curb crude oil theft in the country.
Among other things, the legislators under the auspices of the Joint Committees on Petroleum Resources said the surveillance arrangement has significantly reduced pipeline vandalism, curtailed crude oil theft, and increased national revenue.
The legislators averred that the initiative has been instrumental in securing critical oil infrastructure, with TSSNL and security agencies making measurable progress in safeguarding pipelines and other oil facilities.
Okojie emphasized that the collaboration between private security firms, host communities, and government security agencies has helped dismantle several illegal tapping points, improved production levels, and enhanced the delivery of crude to export terminals.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen in his remarks at the event which attracted several stakeholders, stressed the need for sustained efforts to secure Nigeria’s oil sector amid growing global energy uncertainties.
Tajudeen drew the attention of participants at the event to the geopolitical tensions, including the Middle East crisis and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as factors contributing to volatility in global energy markets.
He stated that that crude oil remains a dominant energy source, particularly in the transportation sector of the economy.
The House of Representatives Speaker explained that the pipeline surveillance contract became necessary due to long-standing challenges in the Niger Delta region where weak enforcement, agitation, and economic hardship fueled pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and illegal refining.
According to the lawmaker, Nigeria was at one point 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. The Federal Government’s decision to engage private security firms and host communities was aimed at strengthening the protection of oil facilities. The host communities’ participation has proven critical to the success recorded so far.
He also drew attention of participants to 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.
He however acknowledged that in spite of the progress made so far, some challenges remain, particularly in the areas of transparency, accountability, and the effectiveness of certain surveillance frameworks.
The Speaker of the House if Representatives used the occasion to reaffirm the National Assembly’s commitment to reforming the oil sector through legislation, oversight, and funding support.
He cited the Petroleum Production and Distribution (Anti-Sabotage) Act and the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) as key legal frameworks that introduced stricter penalties for vandalism and enhanced community participation.
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 infrastructures.
According to him, 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 also as a national security threat requiring coordinated action.
The legislator described the roundtable as an opportunity to consolidate gains from the surveillance contract, address existing gaps, and strengthen transparency, accountability, and community engagement in protecting Nigeria’s oil assets.
His words: “We must position 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.”
Not a few stakeholders at the event hailed the collaboration between TSSNL, security agencies, and host communities in the Niger Delta region.
They noted that the partnership has strengthened surveillance across key oil facilities in the Niger Delta and contributed to improved crude production.
They enjoined the Federal Government to sustain the initiative while enhancing transparency and accountability mechanisms to consolidate the gains recorded in the fight against crude oil theft.
