Middle Belt Youth Forum Backs NASS Over Dismissal Of Petitions Against Tantita

The Middle Belt Youth Forum has praised the National Assembly for dismissing petitions filed against Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, describing the decision as a strong endorsement of the company’s credibility and a move to safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests.

In a statement on Friday issued by its President, Comrade Godwin Meliga, the group expressed satisfaction with the outcome of a recent roundtable on pipeline security held in Abuja, where committees of both the Senate and the House of Representatives on petroleum resources rejected calls to decentralise pipeline surveillance contracts across oil-producing states.

The Forum said the lawmakers’ decision demonstrated a clear understanding of the complexities surrounding pipeline security, noting that fragmenting surveillance contracts could weaken coordination and reduce accountability.

According to the statement, the joint petroleum committee’s position against decentralisation was “timely and strategic,” as it helps maintain a unified and effective approach to securing critical oil infrastructure.

The group also commended the Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, for affirming that the petitions against Tantita lacked merit. It noted that the petitioners failed to substantiate their allegations despite multiple invitations to appear before the committee.

“We align completely with the National Assembly’s position that there is no credible evidence against Tantita. The dismissal of these petitions reinforces public confidence in the company’s operations and integrity,” the Forum stated.

Highlighting Tantita’s performance, the Forum said the company has shown strong capacity in protecting Nigeria’s oil infrastructure, leading to a significant reduction in pipeline vandalism and improved crude oil production levels.

It added that these achievements have earned the firm broad support, including endorsement from over 300 members of the National Assembly.

Describing the company as a “national pride” and a symbol of resilience and operational efficiency, the Forum urged the Federal Government to sustain and strengthen its partnership with Tantita through a long-term renewal of its surveillance contract.

The group further warned against attempts to politicise or undermine existing security arrangements, stressing that consistency and coordinated execution are essential in tackling crude oil theft.

“The protection of Nigeria’s oil assets is directly tied to the nation’s economic survival. Any attempt to dilute a working structure risks reversing the gains already recorded,” the statement added.

The Forum reaffirmed its support for policies that promote transparency, efficiency, and national development, while calling on stakeholders to back initiatives aimed at securing the country’s economic future.

LEADERSHIP on Wednesday reported that following a joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee Roundtable on pipeline security, over 300 members of the National Assembly threw their weight behind the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, endorsing his collaboration with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited in the fight against crude oil theft.

The lawmakers also firmly rejected moves to alter the current surveillance structure, warning that any attempt to split the contract among multiple operators could undermine recent gains in securing the nation’s oil infrastructure.

At the session, legislators passed a vote of confidence in Ojulari, commending his leadership and alignment with Tantita, which they said has delivered measurable results in curbing crude theft and pipeline vandalism across the Niger Delta and other oil-producing regions.