Northern youths under the auspices of Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) have described as patriotic, the decision of the National Assembly joint Committee on Petroleum Resources to endorse the pipeline surveillance contract being handled by Tantita Security Services, saying the decision will help safeguard Nigeria’s economic lifeline.
President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Yerima Shettima, said in a statement that the actions of the parliament, including unanimously dismissing complaints against Tantita Security Services and endorsing the continuation and possible expansion of its pipeline surveillance contract, deserve the commendation of all Nigerians.
Shettima said, “The decision by the National Assembly joint committee reflects a clear understanding of the realities on the ground. Pipeline vandalism has significantly reduced under Tantita’s watch, and this must not be politicised”.
He commended the leadership of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), chaired by Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, and his Senate counterpart for what it described as a “transparent and inclusive” engagement with stakeholders across the oil and gas sector.
He said the rejection of calls for contract splitting and the endorsement of a unified surveillance framework would enhance efficiency, accountability, and national revenue protection.
Shettima urged the executive arm of government to immediately implement the committee’s resolutions, particularly the recommendation to extend Tantita’s contract and scale up its operations nationwide, warning that any delay or reversal could undermine recent gains in oil production and embolden criminal networks involved in pipeline vandalism.
Speaking after the roundtable, Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe said the committee’s findings were based on empirical evidence and extensive stakeholder input.
He said, “We cannot afford to gamble with our national assets. The evidence before us clearly supports the continuation of the current surveillance arrangement”.
Also speaking, Chairman of the House Committee on Gas, Hon. Nicholas Mutu, said the National Assembly would continue to exercise its oversight function to ensure transparency and value for money.
“Our responsibility is to the Nigerian people. Where a system is working, we must strengthen it, not dismantle it,” Mutu stated.
