Protesters on Wednesday gathered at the entrance of the National Assembly, calling on lawmakers to reject moves toward decentralisation of pipeline surveillance contracts.

The protest coincided with a roundtable convened by lawmakers and top security officials to discuss pipeline security and measures to combat crude oil theft.

The demonstrators carried placards with inscriptions such as “Oil thieves are now conspiring against Tantita,” “We are okay with Tantita,” “Stronger surveillance,” and “Tantita has stopped bunkering.”

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Teslim Kolawole said their action aimed to preserve the measurable gains recorded under the current pipeline surveillance and contract management system.

Kolawole argued that pipeline contracts and security must be outcome-driven, noting that existing arrangements had contributed to increased crude oil production, reduced vandalism, and enhanced community engagement.

He cited reports showing Nigeria’s crude oil output rose to about 1.8 million barrels per day in November 2024, up from lows of about 500,000 barrels per day prior to the engagement of private surveillance operators in 2022.

“The conversation around pipeline surveillance must be guided by results, because when national assets are secured, the economy benefits, communities stabilize, and young people gain real opportunities.

“In that regard, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has become a visible part of a broader national effort that has helped restore confidence in pipeline security and crude oil production. Nigeria’s state oil company said oil production rose to 1.8 million barrels per day in November 2024, a level reported by major news outlets

He said the current framework has promoted youth empowerment in the Niger Delta, benefiting over 45,000 youths through entrepreneurship grants, ICT training, and agricultural initiatives.

He also highlighted contributions to education and community infrastructure, as well as a rice farming initiative aimed at providing sustainable alternatives to illegal oil-related activities.

“So our message today is simple. This is not the time to weaken a framework that has helped restore production, support youth enterprise, improve education, and create alternatives to criminality. This is the time to strengthen accountability, improve coordination, and protect what is working.

“When a programme produces measurable gains in oil security, education, skills, agriculture, and youth engagement, the responsible thing is not disruption; it is consolidation. Therefore, we call for continuity, transparency, and support for every initiative that secures national assets while also lifting people”, Kolawole added.

He urged lawmakers to be circumspect, stressing that they should consider the facts and figures carefully before taking any decision.

Meanwhile, inside the National Assembly, lawmakers are holding a parliamentary roundtable on pipeline security and the fight against crude oil theft, with participants including Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Chief of Defence operation, Jamal Abdulsalam, representatives of the Office of the National Security Adviser, Ministry of Defence.

Others present include representatives of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Services (DSS), Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limite and other stakeholders in the oil sector.

The session is expected to review current strategies, assess progress, and explore ways to strengthen coordination among security agencies and private operators in safeguarding Nigeria’s oil infrastructure. (Guardian)