More than 300 members of Nigeria’s National Assembly have passed a unanimous vote of confidence in Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, endorsing its role in pipeline surveillance and the fight against crude oil theft.
The resolution was reached at a joint roundtable of Senate and House of Representatives committees on petroleum resources, where lawmakers, security officials, and industry stakeholders reviewed the state of pipeline security across the country.
The lawmakers described Tantita as a critical national asset, citing improvements in oil production and a reduction in pipeline vandalism since the company’s engagement.
They also called for the long-term renewal of its surveillance contract and rejected proposals to decentralise or split the operation among multiple contractors.
Petitions filed against the company were dismissed after what lawmakers said was a thorough review of submissions and stakeholder presentations.
Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, said the allegations lacked merit.
“There is no credible evidence to sustain any of the allegations. After a comprehensive review, all complaints against Tantita have been dismissed,” he said.
Lawmakers warned that fragmenting the surveillance arrangement could undermine the progress recorded in recent months, stressing that continuity and coordination remain critical.
Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe cautioned against disrupting the current framework.
“Disrupting a system that is already delivering results would be counterproductive. Our responsibility is to ensure stability and sustain the gains already recorded,” he said.
Also speaking, Hon. Prince Okojie warned that splitting the contract could weaken accountability and efficiency.
“We must strengthen what works, not dilute it. Fragmenting this arrangement could erode coordination and undermine the progress made in securing our pipelines,” he said.
Officials of the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) also acknowledged improvements under the current framework. Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, said the results so far reflect a more coordinated security approach.
“What we are seeing today is the outcome of improved collaboration and a focused strategy. The reduction in crude oil theft and vandalism is a positive development for the country,” he said.
NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, also backed the continuation of the arrangement.
“The current surveillance framework has contributed significantly to increased oil output. Sustaining this progress requires continuity and consistency in execution,” he noted.
The outcome of the hearing signals a clear endorsement of the existing surveillance structure, with lawmakers emphasising the need for a coordinated and sustained approach to protecting Nigeria’s oil infrastructure and stabilising the economy.
“This is about safeguarding Nigeria’s economic backbone with a system that has proven effective,” a lawmaker said at the close of proceedings.
