Group lauds Tantita’s role in securing oil pipelines, improving Nigeria’s daily output to 1.5m bpd

In recognition of the recent gains made in the fight against oil theft in the country, the National Probity and Value for Nation building Organisation (NPVNBO) has lauded Tantita Pipeline Surveillance and Security Company for its role in complementing the military’s effort to secure the country’s critical assets.

The group spoke against the backdrop of statements by the Coalition of Civil Society Groups in Nigeria regarding the award of oil pipeline surveillance contracts to security firms. The coalition had specifically highlighted the contract given to Tantita Ltd, owned by Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo.

In a statement yesterday, NPVNBO said: “It’s important to first acknowledge the dire state of the nation’s oil sector before the security companies, particularly Tantita Security Company Limited, came on board.

“When the armed forces were solely responsible for pipeline protection, Nigeria’s oil output had plummeted to a mere 500,000 barrels per day, resulting in unprecedented levels of crude oil theft and minimal profits for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). This had seriously damaged the nation’s economy and environment.

“However, since the engagement of Tantita Security Services to safeguard our critical oil installations, the situation has dramatically improved. Our oil output has now increased to 1.5 million barrels per day, as recently reported by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

“This is a testament to the success of the federal government’s, NNPCL’s, and Tantita Security Company’s collaborative efforts.

“The unwavering commitment of Tantita Limited in salvaging our country and its economy from the brink of collapse is evident in the return of investor confidence in the oil and gas sector, as well as a cleaner environment, as attested to by the people in the oil-producing communities of the Niger Delta.

“Furthermore, the engagement of Tantita Pipeline Security and Surveillance Company has led to a significant drop in the crime rate in the region, as it has provided employment opportunities for many youths.

“Tantita’s achievements are also noteworthy, such as the arrest of the vessel MT KALI, which is the 7th such vessel engaged in crude oil theft within the last year.

“Well-meaning Nigerians can see and testify to the benefits of engaging private security contractors, as exemplified by the patriotic and efficient work of Tantita Pipeline Security and Surveillance Company.

“We commend the efforts of the federal government, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, NNPCL, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Tantita Pipeline Surveillance and Security Company, and other private contractors, as well as the Nigerian Army, Navy, Police Force, and Civil Defence and Security Corps (NCDSC). We believe that as a nation, we are up to the task of getting rid of the criminal gangs engaged in crude oil theft.

“The campaign of calumny from detractors must stop so that the good work of the security company, which is based on strict criteria, including operational capacity, technical expertise, and a demonstrated commitment to the rule of law, can continue uninterrupted.”