Niger Delta Youths Credit Tantita for Increased Oil Production

The youth leaders made this known in Abuja yesterday during a solidarity walk to present a communiqué emanating from the forum’s summit held on 22 May 2026 in Port Harcourt, to the National Assembly and other relevant authorities.

The communiqué was signed by Chairman of NDENYLF, Jonathan Lokpobiri; Secretary, Eniwake Orogun, and Spokesperson, Legborsi Yamaabana, who collectively noted that the intervention of the indigenous security firm has helped restore confidence in the sector.

They stated that crude oil production, which was low in 2022, has rebounded following intensified pipeline surveillance efforts.

“The Forum carefully reviewed the current pipeline surveillance arrangement established by the Federal Government to secure critical oil and gas infrastructure and improve Nigeria’s crude oil production output.

“After assessing available data and developments within the sector, the Forum unanimously agreed that the engagement of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has significantly contributed to the reduction of crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal bunkering activities across the Niger Delta region.

“The Forum noted that Nigeria’s crude oil production, which reportedly dropped to between 700,000 barrels and 1.2 million barrels per day around 2022 due to widespread oil theft and related criminal activities, has improved considerably following the intervention of the company, with production figures now estimated between 1.5 million and 1.8 million barrels per day,” the youth leaders said.

The group also credited the company with dismantling illegal bunkering networks, uncovering illegal connections, and engaging local communities, describing the model as inclusive and effective.

The youth leaders called on the Federal Government, the National Assembly, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to sustain support for Tantita Security Services to consolidate the gains and broader stability in the region.

They further warned against calls to decentralise the pipeline surveillance contract, insisting such moves could reverse the gains recorded in tackling oil theft and sabotage in the region.

“The Forum strongly condemned the calls by certain individuals and groups for the decentralization of the pipeline surveillance contract, describing such demands as misleading, self-serving, sponsored by interests negatively affected by the success recorded in combating illegal oil activities,” the communique added.

The youth leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace and constructive engagement, while also raising concerns over stalled youth empowerment programmes under the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), urging greater transparency, inclusion, and sustained development efforts across the region.