NASS Supports Tantita's Pipeline Surveillance Contract, Rejects Petitions

More than 300 members of the federal legislature have shown their support for the ongoing collaboration with

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Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited

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in monitoring pipelines, passing a unanimous vote of confidence during a joint roundtable convened by both the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Petroleum Resources.

This decision came after comprehensive discussions during a hearing on Tuesday, where lawmakers scrutinized inputs from various stakeholders within the oil and gas industry.

Data presented at the session revealed an uptick in crude oil production and a notable decline in pipeline vandalism since Tantita’s involvement.

The committees concluded the session by rejecting all claims made against the firm, labeling them as baseless.

Ikenga Ugochinyere, Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), highlighted that the panel meticulously examined each petition and found no credible evidence backing the allegations. He stated, "There is no credible evidence to sustain any of the allegations. Accordingly, all complaints against Tantita are hereby dismissed."

Agom Jarigbe, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), underscored the necessity for policy consistency, cautioning that disrupting a beneficial arrangement could adversely affect advancements in the sector. He remarked, "Disrupting a system that is already delivering results would be counterproductive. Our duty is to ensure stability."

Odianosen Okojie (APC, Edo) also expressed concerns regarding proposals to divide the surveillance contract, arguing it could weaken coordination and accountability. He stated, "We must enhance what is functioning effectively, not dilute it. Nigeria’s economic security hinges on diligent execution."

Several federal government officials present during the session, including Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, and Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, acknowledged the progress achieved under the current surveillance system.

House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen noted that the improvements in pipeline security have helped elevate Nigeria’s oil output to approximately 1.8 million barrels per day, a significant increase compared to earlier lows. He observed that illegal tapping points had been largely removed, leading to markedly improved crude transportation to export terminals. He recounted that at one point, production suffered a dramatic decline due to widespread oil theft, causing substantial revenue losses.

According to the speaker, Nigeria had been losing between 10% and 30% of its crude oil output to theft on an annual basis, costing the nation billions of dollars and diminishing its reputation as a reliable oil supplier.

Tajudeen explained that to tackle these issues, the federal government implemented the pipeline surveillance framework, incorporating private security firms and community-led initiatives. He noted that collaboration among security forces, private contractors, and local communities has enhanced production levels.

“It was in this context that the federal government initiated the pipeline surveillance contract, which includes engaging private security personnel and community-based structures,” he stated.

He further elaborated on legislative efforts, such as the Petroleum Production and Distribution (Anti-Sabotage) Act and reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which have bolstered enforcement against pipeline vandalism and improved sector governance.

The speaker also highlighted the contributions of institutions like the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and initiatives like the Host Community Development Trust under the PIA, designed to foster corporate accountability and involve host communities financially in protecting oil infrastructures.

The backing for Tantita comes amidst ongoing disputes regarding the award and structure of pipeline surveillance contracts in Nigeria's oil sector. In recent months, civil society organizations, industry stakeholders, and regional entities have submitted multiple petitions to the National Assembly and other governmental bodies, raising concerns about concentrating surveillance responsibilities within a single private entity.

Critics have challenged aspects such as the procurement process, transparency, cost implications, and potential preferential treatment in the contract's awarding. Some advocacy groups argue that the current system sidelines other capable local operators and security firms, proposing a decentralized approach that would assign surveillance duties among various entities and community organizations.

Supporters of decentralization argue that a multi-operator system could boost competition, enhance local involvement, and alleviate risks associated with relying on a single contractor. Allegations of operational deficiencies, lack of accountability, and oversight issues were presented but rebutted during the hearings, which led to legislative scrutiny and the joint committee discussion where participants could present evidence and justify their stances.

Conversely, advocates for the existing framework claim that consolidating surveillance under a single coordinating body has improved efficiency, minimized bureaucratic delays, and clarified responsibilities. They assert that the measurable advances in crude oil production and the decrease in pipeline vandalism since Tantita's engagement validate the continuation of the contract.