President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s October 1, 2026, Independence Day broadcast had so many takeaways. It vividly captured the state of the economy and macroeconomic fundamentals in 2023 when he assumed office and the turnaround seen today. The President also acknowledged that oil theft has drastically declined leading to over four per cent growth in the economy this year, while inflation has fallen substantially from its peak. For many stakeholders, the continued protection of oil pipelines through the operations of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd (TSSNL) helped achieve a decline in oil theft across the Niger Delta region that paved the way for the relatively stable economy of the country, ONYEDIKA AGBEDO writes.

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in 2023, Nigeria’s economy faced formidable headwinds.  Inflation peaked at almost 35 per cent, external reserves were strained, investor confidence was shaken, and nearly every macroeconomic indicator was in red. Another critical issue was the rising cases of oil theft.

President Tinubu, in his Independence Day broadcast, explained that it took leadership rooted in courage to reverse these ugly trends and today, the economy and key indicators are turning the corner.

The President’s speech highlighted the difficult economic reforms he undertook and his present scorecard. It further pointed to the priority areas that will define the next phase of his administration.

Part of the speech read: “Our journey has not always been easy. In truth, it has generally been too hard for too many. We have known moments of great hope and periods of profound disappointment. We have endured war, military rule, economic crises, insecurity and political upheaval. Yet through it all, Nigeria, with the indomitable spirit of its people, has endured.”

Highlighting his achievements, he said: “Our economy has grown by over four per cent this year. Both oil and non-oil sectors have contributed to the renewed period of stable growth. Oil theft is down. Inflation has fallen substantially from its peak.

“Our foreign reserves have been rebuilt, our foreign exchange market has stabilised, and in 2025 this country recorded its highest revenue from non-oil exports in its history, exceeding $6 billion. This is real money being made by real Nigerian businesses.”

He further set a priority for the country: “Our priority is to bring down the cost of living. We will achieve this by lowering the cost of producing and moving the things Nigerians consume.”

The President also listed where support should come from. “That is why, working with our states and local governments, we will continue to strengthen primary healthcare, basic education and the essential public services poorer Nigerians depend on most. Since 2023, we have paid salaries and pensions on time and in full. We have reformed the national pension programme to benefit retirees and the vulnerable,” he said.

Achieving and sustaining these feats requires sustained check against oil theft with the aid of technology and qualified personnel. The drastic 79 per cent drop in oil theft has been linked to the superlative works done by the Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd (TSSNL) in collaboration with the security agencies in the Niger Delta region.

The Federal Government appointed Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd (TSSNL), led by High Chief, Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, to protect oil assets and ensure peace and stability in the Niger Delta region.

The appointment was to enable TSSNL, through its security operations, support the national economy in getting the full benefits of oil resources. TSSNL works in collaboration with other security outfits to achieve its goals of securing oil assets and ensuring peace and stability in the Niger Delta region. Its operations had ensured the security of oil pipelines, which consequently ensured uninterrupted flow of petroleum resources and Nigeria’s migration from a position of constant loss management to stability, planning, growth and development.

The operations of the firm have transformed the oil and gas landscape and allowed Nigeria to expand oil production quota and significantly cut rampant oil theft. Its track record in mitigating risks associated with oil pipelines has positioned it as a reliable partner in preserving Nigeria’s economic backbone.

Tompolo founded TSSNL out of the belief that the best people to secure the creeks are those who already know them. These include fishermen, boat operators and former militants who understand the terrain better than an outside contractor.

Tantita’s personnel monitor export pipelines, trace illegal connections, identify crude-theft points, and report suspected illegal refining activity to security agencies for enforcement.

Tantita employs about 136,000 people directly in pipeline-related work, with indirect employment extending to more than 300,000. It has also tried a less conventional approach to the theft problem. In partnership with the Stakeholders Development Network and Ecosus Pro Nigeria Limited, it launched the Tantita Sustainable Rice Farming Initiative, aimed at moving communities once involved in illegal oil activity into large-scale rice farming.

As stakeholders advocate for continued collaboration with TSSNL, the imperative of securing oil infrastructure remains at the forefront of efforts to ensure the nation’s sustainable development.

In the development process, certain assets contribute to the advancement of any society and its people. These assets ensure economic or monetary benefits for the people. These assets could be regarded as operating assets, non-operating assets or leased assets, among others.

Tantita’s Operational Modalities
TSSNL says it integrates advanced technology into all aspects of security operations, providing real-time monitoring, rapid threat detection and seamless communication.  Its technology and system integration solutions are designed to enhance security infrastructure, streamline operations and prevent incidents before they occur. It delivers end-to-end solutions that ensure its clients’ facilities remain secure while improving efficiency and response time.

To improve operational efficiency, Tantita deploys surveillance technology to protect infrastructure from vandalism, theft, and unauthorised access.  It offers a range of surveillance systems customised to meet the specific needs of its clients.

The company installs high-resolution cameras with night vision and thermal imaging to monitor activities 24/7, ensuring that no event goes unnoticed. Its surveillance systems allow for remote monitoring through secure networks, giving authorised personnel access to live footage anytime, anywhere. Also, its cameras with motion sensors and AI capabilities can automatically detect unusual activity, triggering alerts for immediate response.

In a report on its website, Tantita said controlling access to critical areas ensures that only authorised personnel have entry, reducing the risk of insider threats or unauthorised access.

“Systems such as fingerprint scanners, facial recognition and retina scanners ensure secure and efficient access management. RFID Smart Card Systems allow for restricted access to key areas and provide a record of entry logs for enhanced accountability,” it said.

The company said it also installs turnstile gates and automated barriers to control entry points in high-security facilities, minimising unauthorised movement.

“Early detection of potential threats is crucial for preventing damage and ensuring timely responses. Our integrated alarm systems are designed to detect and notify security teams of intrusions instantly. Our perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDS) detect breaches along fences or walls, issuing immediate alerts,” it said.

There are also glass break and door sensors installed on doors and windows that send alerts if forced entry is detected, preventing unauthorised access.

“Our systems integrate with mobile devices to notify security personnel in real time, ensuring swift response to incidents. Seamless communication between security teams ensures coordinated responses to emergencies and real-time decision-making.

“Our advanced radio systems ensure uninterrupted communication across facilities, even in remote locations. We design and equip control rooms with video walls and communication consoles, providing centralised oversight for large-scale operations. Emergency Notification Systems enable quick dissemination of alerts to relevant stakeholders during emergencies, minimising confusion and delays,” it stated.

Investments In The Oil/Gas Sector
WITH improved security of oil facilities, Nigeria’s push to revive investment in its deepwater oil fields gained fresh momentum as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and its partners signed agreements expected to move the proposed Bonga Southwest/Aparo project, estimated to attract up to $21 billion in investment, closer to a Final Investment Decision.

The project, located in Oil Mining Lease 118, is expected to become one of Nigeria’s biggest new deepwater developments, with a projected peak production of about 175,000 barrels of oil per day and 140 million standard cubic feet of gas per day.

The NNPCL and the OML 118 Contractor Parties – Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria (Deepwater) Limited and Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited – executed an Addendum to the OML 118 Production Sharing Contract and an Addendum to the Dispute Settlement Agreement.

Also, President Bola Tinubu approved the Deep Offshore Oil and Gas Projects Incentives (Tax Remission) Order, 2026, designed to improve the competitiveness of Nigeria’s deepwater fiscal regime and unlock fresh investments.

The execution showed how the policy reforms were beginning to translate into concrete project development. The agreements provided evidence that the Federal Government’s reforms and security measures were beginning to create a pathway for major investments that had remained uncertain.

The Chief Executive Officer, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf, acknowledged that following the reforms in the oil and gas sector, particularly the NNPCL and the totality of the oil and gas ecosystem, there has been a significant positive impact on oil production, which has significantly impacted Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings.

“The oil production surge has contributed to the improvement in external reserves. It has impacted the capacity of the CBN to stabilise the naira, and it has contributed generally to macroeconomic stability. So, the improvement in oil outputs, the improvement in security in the oil producing area has also been a major development that we need to recognise as part of the key achievements of the administration,” he said.

Yusuf disclosed that beyond the rise in oil production, there have been some very remarkable efforts by the government to attract some major investment into the oil and gas sector.

According to him, even the deregulation of the downstream has also contributed to the success of the Dangote Refinery, “because if we don’t have the right deregulation environment, such a major refinery may also have to struggle.”

“The refinery has opened the way for other refineries, and investors, to come on board in the oil and gas space. So, quite a lot has happened within the oil and gas space, both in the upstream, the midstream and the downstream,” he stated.

Chairman of the House Committee on Host Communities, Dekor Dumnamene Robinson, had said the contributions of Tantita and its leadership to national security deserve appreciation.

Also, in one of the strongest endorsements yet of the firm’s operations, lawmakers under the Joint Committee of the House of Representatives on Host Communities and Public Petitions and other stakeholders commended Tantita for what they described as effective and patriotic service in safeguarding Nigeria’s critical oil infrastructure.

President Tinubu’s acknowledgement of the turnaround in the oil and gas sector and subsequently in the economy serves as a spur for the firm to do more.