Tantita Security’s Fight Against Oil Theft Elevates Nigeria’s Crude Output
ABUJA/Nigeria: Nigeria’s crude oil production has soared to an impressive 1.8 million barrels per day (mbpd), thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL).
The milestone, announced by NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, underscores a major victory in the fight against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, particularly in the Niger Delta region.
Kyari, speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, credited the achievement to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate to increase production and bolster national revenue.
He commended the Production War Room Team for their dedication, stating, “The team has done a great job in driving this project of not just production recovery but also escalating production to levels acceptable to our shareholders.”
Tantita Security Services, Chaired by Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has been at the forefront of protecting Nigeria’s oil pipelines.
Their relentless crackdown on oil thieves has pushed many illicit operators out of the nation’s coastal areas, securing critical infrastructure and enabling a significant increase in production.
Tompolo expressed his satisfaction with the progress, reaffirming his commitment to achieving the government’s target of 2mbpd by December.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Paul Bebenimibo, he said, “We are determined to take it to 2mbpd before the year runs out, as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. All the needed machinery has been put in place to ensure this target is achieved. No effort will be spared to galvanise Nigeria’s economy.”
Bebenimibo also highlighted the deployment of advanced technologies to monitor facilities and prevent disruptions, ensuring the protection of Nigeria’s oil resources. “By God’s grace, we will work to exceed 2mbpd by the end of the year,” he added.
The Production War Room Team, inaugurated on 25 June 2024, has played a pivotal role in the recovery process. According to Lawal Musa, Chief War Room Coordinator and Senior Business Adviser to the NNPCL GCEO, production rose steadily from 1.43mbpd in June to 1.7mbpd in August, culminating in the current 1.8mbpd.
Musa attributed the success to joint efforts involving security agencies, Joint Venture and Production Sharing Contract partners, and the Office of the National Security Adviser. “With this momentum and active collaboration, we are confident of reaching 2mbpd by year-end,” he remarked.
The milestone has drawn widespread commendation from industry stakeholders, with many lauding the decisive actions of NNPCL and Tantita in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic assets. The Chairman of TSSNL, Tompolo, recently reiterated his dedication to ensuring increased crude oil output during an event hosted by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, stating,
The only place I have to call my country is Nigeria, so I will do everything within my powers to see that crude oil production increases.”
This achievement not only promises to bolster Nigeria’s revenue but also underscores the importance of collaboration between government entities and private security outfits in addressing critical national challenges.
