Ecomiums for NNPCL, Tantita, and Others as Crude Oil Production Hits 1.8 Million BPD, Gas Production Reaches 7.4 BILLION SCFD .... Commitment to Achieving 2 Million BPD by Year-End – Tantita

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) are receiving widespread acclaim following the significant boost in the country’s oil and gas output. Nigeria’s crude oil production has reached 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd), while gas production has risen to 7.4 billion standard cubic feet per day (BSCFD), the NNPCL announced on Thursday.

Stakeholders have praised NNPCL and the private security agencies, particularly Tantita, for their pivotal roles in achieving this milestone. Tantita, which has been at the forefront of efforts to combat crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, has made significant strides in securing the nation’s oil infrastructure, particularly in the Niger Delta.

Tantita’s proactive security measures have played a critical role in driving down illegal oil activities. The security outfit has effectively cleared the nation’s coastal areas of oil thieves, confiscating their equipment and disrupting their operations. Many oil thieves have reportedly abandoned their illegal activities in the face of Tantita’s relentless efforts, leading to a considerable reduction in crude oil theft.

These collaborative security efforts, in partnership with other government agencies, have contributed significantly to the recent surge in oil and gas production. Tantita is also working to maintain these gains, with the goal of increasing crude oil production to 2 million bpd by December 2024.

NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mele Kyari, credited the recent production successes to the dedication and hard work of the NNPCL team and their partners. He expressed optimism about the country’s production trajectory, stating that the company remained committed to the target of achieving over 2 million bpd by the end of the year. “We are thrilled to have reached this milestone, and we thank the President for his continued support,” Kyari said. “This achievement is the result of tireless efforts from our teams and our collaborative work with Tantita and other security agencies.”

Kyari also commended the Production War Room Team for their exceptional work in driving the production recovery. The team was instrumental in the recovery process, which began with production at 1.43 million bpd in June 2024. By August, production had increased to 1.7 million bpd, and by November, it had reached 1.8 million bpd.

Mr. Lawal Musa, Chief War Room Coordinator and Senior Business Adviser to the GCEO, explained that the production recovery was a result of strong collaboration across the oil and gas sector. He highlighted the joint efforts between NNPCL, joint venture partners, production-sharing contract partners, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and private security companies.

Mr. Musa emphasized that the active monitoring of pipelines by security agencies was key to the recovery, and that all segments of the production chain had benefited from these collaborative interventions. He expressed confidence that, with continued momentum and stakeholder cooperation, Nigeria could reach 2 million bpd by year-end.

Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, the Chairman of Tantita, also reacted positively to the news, expressing his pride in being part of the success story. Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Paul Bebenimibo, Tompolo reaffirmed Tantita’s commitment to reaching the 2 million bpd target set by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“This milestone was achieved through close collaboration between NNPCL, security forces, and Tantita, which has been at the forefront of pipeline protection in the Niger Delta,” Tompolo said. “We are determined to meet the 2 million bpd target by the end of the year, as directed by President Tinubu.”

He further emphasized that Tantita was deploying advanced technologies to ensure the continued security of oil infrastructure, preventing disruptions and halting oil theft. Tompolo assured stakeholders through Dr Bebenimibo that no effort would be spared in meeting and exceeding the production target, which he believes will drive economic growth and generate increased government revenue.

“By the grace of God, we are working diligently to achieve 2 million bpd, and even exceed it. This will contribute significantly to the country’s revenue and support the President in effectively running the nation,” he added.

With the combined efforts of NNPCL, Tantita, and other key stakeholders, Nigeria is poised to continue its trajectory of increasing oil production, further strengthening its position as a major global energy player.