Group Hails TANTITA for Boosting Nigeria’s Crude Oil Output to 1.8 Million Barrels Daily

By Elohor Ohworisi

The Concerned Journalists Forum (CJF) has praised TANTITA Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) for its dedicated efforts in combating crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism—actions believed to have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s recent rise in daily crude oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day (mbpd).
The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Chairman of CJF, Comrade Emeka Nwokocha, who acknowledged TSSNL’s role in safeguarding critical oil infrastructure across the Niger Delta.

According to the group, the renewed efficiency and professionalism shown by TSSNL had led to a major turnaround in the nation’s petroleum sector, which had previously suffered from persistent illegal bunkering and damage to pipelines.

The statement came shortly after the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, confirmed that Nigeria’s crude oil production had climbed to 1.8mbpd—a notable improvement from the daily output of around 1 million barrels when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in 2023.

“This is indeed encouraging,” the group stated. “At a time when production had fallen below 1 million barrels per day due to sabotage and theft, the current figure represents a remarkable recovery that gives hope for economic stability.”

CJF noted that the slump in production had posed a serious threat to Nigeria’s economy, which is heavily reliant on oil revenue. The forum expressed confidence that with sustained efforts and proper collaboration among stakeholders, the country could surpass the 2 million barrels per day mark in the near future.

While celebrating the development, CJF urged TSSNL to remain steadfast in its mission and encouraged other stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to support ongoing efforts to protect oil facilities and increase output.
The forum also drew attention to the 2025 national budget, which was based on an oil production benchmark of 2.06mbpd and a crude price of $75 per barrel. It emphasized that achieving this target would depend on maintaining security and preventing further incidents of oil theft and infrastructure sabotage.

CJF further stressed that the environmental and economic damages caused by pipeline vandalism extend beyond the oil industry, affecting host communities and weakening national growth.

“The improvement in crude production is expected to translate into increased national revenue and better economic prospects, especially for vulnerable Nigerians,” the group said.

CJF called on host communities, particularly ethnic nationalities in oil-rich areas, to promote peace and cooperation, urging them to offer constructive input rather than inciting discord that could derail progress.

“Nigeria’s economy is still largely dependent on oil,” the statement concluded. “This makes it imperative for all citizens to unite in protecting this vital sector and contributing to its growth.”