Pipeline Security Gains: Experts Hail FG, Tantita, Warn Against Disruptive Changes

Forensic experts and key stakeholders have applauded the Federal Government and Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited for recent strides in strengthening pipeline security, attributing the development to improved crude oil output and increased national revenue.

The commendation followed a two-day national dialogue on pipeline security held in Abuja, where participants linked the gains in oil production to enhanced coordination in surveillance operations across the country’s oil infrastructure.

The forum, convened by the Forum of Forensic Civil Society Groups in Nigeria in collaboration with the Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency, brought together civil society organisations, security experts, policy analysts, community leaders and government representatives.

Deliberating under the theme, “The imperative of concerted efforts by citizens in protecting national assets,” stakeholders stressed the strategic importance of oil pipelines to Nigeria’s economic stability, noting that improved security directly impacts government revenue and fiscal capacity.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the dialogue, security consultant and public affairs analyst, Opialu Fabian, said participants observed a notable decline in pipeline vandalism alongside increased crude oil production, attributing both to structured and coordinated surveillance frameworks.

“These gains must be preserved and strengthened, rather than subjected to disruptive experimentation capable of undermining progress,” Fabian stated.

Stakeholders cautioned against moves to fragment existing pipeline surveillance arrangements under the guise of inclusion, warning that such actions could weaken accountability, disrupt operational coherence and expose the system to criminal exploitation.

They emphasised that pipeline protection is a critical national security function requiring discipline, intelligence coordination and a clear chain of command, rather than a platform for political patronage or accommodation.

The forum also warned that introducing unverified actors into surveillance operations could compromise intelligence systems and embolden oil theft syndicates responsible for significant economic losses.

While acknowledging the role of host communities, participants stressed that any inclusion must be structured, capacity-driven and carefully managed to avoid undermining security architecture.

The dialogue further highlighted the far-reaching consequences of pipeline breaches, noting their impact on public spending, economic stability and national development.

Participants urged that the protection of national assets should transcend sectional interests, warning against the politicisation of pipeline security debates, which they said could inflame tensions in the Niger Delta.

They called for sustained support for current surveillance frameworks, insisting that any reforms must be evidence-based and guided strictly by national interest rather than pressure from competing interests.