The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) have received widespread commendation following the nation’s achievement of 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) in crude oil production.
Announcing the milestone on Thursday, the NNPCL board and management also revealed that gas production had risen to 7.4 billion standard cubic feet per day (bscfd).
Stakeholders have attributed the success to the concerted efforts of the NNPCL and private security outfits like Tantita, which have been instrumental in protecting the country’s vital economic assets.
Tantita Security Services, in particular, has intensified its operations against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, disrupting illicit activities in the Niger Delta region. Reports indicate that many oil thieves have abandoned their operations due to sustained pressure from Tantita operatives stationed in coastal areas.
The collaborative efforts of Tantita, the NNPCL, and other security agencies have significantly boosted crude oil and gas production. Tantita is now working towards achieving a production target of 2 million bpd by December, in partnership with industry stakeholders.
During a press briefing, NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mele Kyari, attributed the achievement to the mandate set by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Kyari also praised the Production War Room Team for their role in driving the recovery and escalation of production levels.
“The team has done a great job in driving this project of not just production recovery but also escalating production to expected levels that are in the short and long terms acceptable to our shareholders based on the mandates that we have from the President, the Honourable Minister, and the Board,” Kyari said.
Highlighting the process, Chief War Room Coordinator and Senior Business Adviser to the GCEO, Lawal Musa, explained that collaborative efforts involving Joint Venture and Production Sharing Contract partners, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and security agencies had been pivotal.
He noted that when the Production War Room was inaugurated on June 25, 2024, daily production stood at 1.43 million bpd. By August, it had risen to 1.7 million bpd, reaching 1.808 million bpd by November.
“We are confident that with this same momentum and with the active collaboration of all stakeholders, especially on the security front, we can see the possibility of getting to 2 million bpd by the end of the year,” Musa added.
Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo and Chairman of Tantita Security Services, had earlier pledged to ensure continuous growth in oil production during an event organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Paul Bebenimibo, Tompolo expressed commitment to achieving the 2 million bpd target by year-end as directed by President Tinubu.
“This milestone, as you know, was achieved in collaboration with NNPCL, security forces, and of course Tantita, which has been at the forefront of oil pipelines protection in the Niger Delta. We are determined to take it to 2 million bpd before the year runs out,” he said.
Bebenimibo also emphasized Tantita’s focus on deploying new technologies to monitor facilities and prevent disruptions, ensuring Nigeria’s resources are safeguarded.
“By God’s grace, we will work to exceed 2 million bpd by the end of the year. We are not going to rest on our oars until this target is achieved,” he added.
The achievement is expected to bolster Nigeria’s economy, providing the government with increased revenue to support national development.