By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The National Assembly has expressed strong confidence in the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, while endorsing the role of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited in tackling crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

The resolution, backed by more than 300 lawmakers across both chambers, underscores growing legislative support for a security framework credited with stabilising oil production and reducing losses in the Niger Delta and other oil-producing regions.

The endorsement followed a joint roundtable of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on pipeline security, where lawmakers, security agencies, and industry stakeholders assessed the effectiveness of existing surveillance arrangements.

At the session, lawmakers commended Ojulari’s leadership, noting that his collaboration with Tantita has yielded measurable progress in combating crude theft—an illicit activity that has significantly undermined Nigeria’s revenue and energy security.

They described the partnership as practical and results-oriented, citing improved crude oil output and a notable decline in pipeline breaches since the firm’s engagement.

According to the legislators, the current model has strengthened monitoring of critical oil infrastructure, enhanced rapid response capabilities, and improved intelligence gathering—key elements in dismantling organised oil theft networks.

The Assembly stressed the need to sustain these gains, warning that any disruption to the existing framework could reverse the progress recorded so far.

Lawmakers also rejected proposals to split the surveillance contract among multiple operators, arguing that such a move could weaken coordination, create accountability gaps, and embolden criminal networks. Instead, they advocated for the consolidation of the current structure.

In addition to backing Ojulari, the Assembly acknowledged ongoing reforms within NNPCL aimed at improving transparency, operational efficiency, and production capacity.

Stakeholders at the session, including security officials, supported the position, noting that collaboration between public institutions and private operators has proven effective in curbing illegal bunkering and restoring investor confidence.

The lawmakers further described Tantita as a “critical national asset” and called for the renewal of its surveillance contract, citing its performance in reducing pipeline vandalism.

Petitions filed against the company were also reviewed and dismissed after lawmakers found no credible evidence to substantiate the allegations.

Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, confirmed that all claims were thoroughly scrutinised and found to be unsubstantiated.

“There is no credible evidence to sustain any of the allegations. Accordingly, all complaints against Tantita are hereby dismissed,” he said.

Lawmakers reiterated that stability remains crucial to sustaining progress in the sector.

Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe cautioned against disrupting a system already delivering results, while Hon. Prince Okojie warned that dividing the contract could undermine accountability and efficiency.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, acknowledged improvements recorded under the current security framework.

Data presented at the hearing indicated rising oil output and a steady decline in pipeline vandalism—developments considered vital to Nigeria’s economic recovery.

Analysts say the National Assembly’s stance signals a clear policy direction anchored on continuity, efficiency, and evidence-based strategies in safeguarding the nation’s oil assets.