The leadership of the Northern Youth Progressive Network has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for renewing the contract engagement of the private security outfit for protecting the nation’s oil facilities against theft
The group also lauded the Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Products Limited (NNPCL) for engaging private security outfit
The Convener of the Network at a press briefing in Abuja, Bala Mohammed, said this couldn’t have happened without former President Muhammadu Buhari, who first contracted pipeline surveillance to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, as he saluted his vision and contribution to the fight against oil theft.
He said, “We only thought that it would be expanded to cover the entire Niger Delta. We consider the decision of Mallam Mele Kyari as patriotic and noble, just as the late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua granted amnesty to Niger Delta militants, which eventually became a lasting solution to the crisis in the Niger Delta.
“We are optimistic that the engagement of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited will bring a permanent solution to the issue of oil theft in Nigeria.”
“The Niger Delta region plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s economy, as it is home to significant oil and gas reserves. The infrastructure that supports the extraction, production, and transportation of these resources is of utmost importance to the nation’s overall stability and prosperity. However, we have witnessed a series of attacks, sabotage, and vandalism directed towards these critical oil infrastructures, leading to immense economic losses and disruptions.”
“We also acknowledge that sustainable development in the Nigerian state is interconnected with the security of oil infrastructure. It is imperative that we address the underlying issues that contribute to attacks on these facilities, such as community grievances, environmental concerns, and socio-economic challenges.”
“The Tantita Security Operations should work in tandem with comprehensive development initiatives that prioritise the welfare and well-being of the local communities.”
“Environmental negligence in the Niger Delta resulting from oil spills, pollution, and degradation of land, water bodies, and ecosystems. These spills and pollution have had devastating consequences on the livelihoods of local communities, particularly
those dependent on fishing and farming. The loss of these means of sustenance has led to economic hardships and food insecurity.”
“The grievances of the communities in the Niger Delta stem from the perceived lack of benefits from the exploitation of their resources. Socioeconomic challenges in the Niger Delta are also prevalent. Despite being a region rich in natural resources, poverty rates remain high, and access to basic amenities such as clean water, healthcare, and education is limited.”
“However complex and slow progress has been, addressing oil theft is a good starting point. A multi-faceted approach that includes sustainable environmental practices, equitable resource distribution, community engagement, and inclusive economic development to address the grievances and uplift the lives of the people in the region is the way to go.”
“In addition, government security agencies such as NA, NN, NPF, NSCDC, and private security firms are engaged to support efforts against oil theft. These firms provide specialised services, such as surveillance, asset protection, and risk assessment, to oil companies and installations. Their expertise and resources enhance the overall security framework and contribute to deterring criminal activities.”
He also said the group acknowledged the effort of the national security adviser for working round the clock to get rid of oil theft and other security challenges bedevilling the country.
“It is worthy of note that these collaborative efforts have boosted the output of crude oil production in Nigeria, making the nation meet the OPEC quota. We appreciate the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian security and civil defence corps, Nigerian police force, and other private security outfits.”
We are calling on the government not to undermine the genuine commitment of Tantita Security Services over the year mentioned, but a few, such as the arrest of the Mt. Kali vessel at the Pennington oil platform in Bayelsa State and several others, have rekindled investors’ confidence. Tantita Security Services has done well in economics and security by protecting our national assets in the oil sector, which is evident in the increase in crude oil output from 500 thousand barrels per day to 1.8 million barrels per day.”
“The Tantita Security Operations have demonstrated their effectiveness in curbing attacks on oil infrastructures in the Niger Delta. By employing proactive measures, intelligence gathering, and strategic collaborations, they have successfully thwarted numerous attempts at sabotage and vandalism. Their swift response and vigilance have minimised disruptions to oil production and prevented economic setbacks for the nation.”
“Our position is that there must be arrest, prosecution, and confiscation of assets, both liquid and valuable, to serve as a deterrent to those who are hell-bent on economic sabotage, no matter whose ox is gore.
“The government should demonstrate its political will in the fight against oil theft in Nigeria. By prosecuting those seven vessels arrested by Tantita Security Services, make the investigation public in line with the Freedom of Information Act.”
“The Mallam Mele Kyari CEO/NNPCL leadership capacity to nip oil theft in the bud by introducing the Saudi Arabian model called control data centre, which oversees and monitors all pipelines as far as these oil installations are concerned in Nigeria.”
“As representatives of the most critical youth structure in the North, we recognise the vital role that secure and functional oil infrastructures play in our nation’s development.”
“The revenue generated from the oil and gas sector drives economic growth, funds critical social programmes, and provides employment opportunities for millions of Nigerians. Protecting these infrastructures is not only crucial for the region but for the entire country.”
“The Northern Youth Progressive Network, without any fear of contradiction, wholeheartedly supports the Tantita Security Operations in their mission to safeguard the nation’s critical oil infrastructure.
“We are calling on all Northerners that are in one way or another involved in this unholy merchant of oil theft to desist forthwith.” He added.
