Arewa Youths Back NASS, Support Tantita Contract Extension

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has lauded the resolutions reached by the joint Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) following their high-level roundtable on pipeline security, describing the outcome as “a bold and patriotic step toward safeguarding Nigeria’s economic lifeline.”

In a statement issued in Abuja and made available to LEADERSHIP, AYCF President, Yerima Shettima, commended lawmakers for unanimously dismissing complaints against Tantita Security Services and endorsing the continuation and possible expansion of its pipeline surveillance contract.

“The decision by the National Assembly joint committee reflects a clear understanding of the realities on the ground. Pipeline vandalism has significantly reduced under Tantita’s watch, and this must not be politicised,” Shettima said.

The group also praised the leadership of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), chaired by Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, and his Senate counterpart for what it described as a “transparent and inclusive” engagement with stakeholders across the oil and gas sector.

According to AYCF, rejecting calls for contract splitting and endorsing a unified surveillance framework would enhance efficiency, accountability, and protection of national revenue.

Other socio-cultural organisations also threw their weight behind the resolutions, urging the Federal Government to act swiftly on the committee’s recommendations.

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo described the outcome as “a triumph of national interest over sectional agitation,” noting that stability in the Niger Delta is critical to Nigeria’s overall economic health.

Similarly, the Afenifere commended the National Assembly for what it called “a rare demonstration of bipartisan patriotism,” adding that continuity in pipeline surveillance operations is essential for sustaining oil production gains.

Speaking after the roundtable, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe emphasised that the committee’s findings were based on empirical evidence and extensive stakeholder input.

“We cannot afford to gamble with our national assets. The evidence before us clearly supports the continuation of the current surveillance arrangement,” he said.

In the same vein, Hon. Nicholas Mutu noted that the National Assembly would continue to exercise its oversight function to ensure transparency and value for money.

“Our responsibility is to the Nigerian people. Where a system is working, we must strengthen it, not dismantle it,” Mutu stated.

AYCF and other groups urged the executive arm of government to immediately implement the committee’s resolutions, particularly the recommendation to extend Tantita’s contract and scale up its operations nationwide.

They warned that any delay or reversal could undermine recent gains in oil production and embolden criminal networks involved in pipeline vandalism.

“The message from Nigerians is clear — protect what works and build on it,” AYCF added.

The joint committee’s resolutions are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s pipeline security architecture and boosting investor confidence in the oil and gas sector.