By Lucky Uto
Nigeria’s crude oil production has risen to about 1.4 million barrels per day, up from a low of 1.1 million in 2022, with improved security coordination and community involvement credited for the recovery.
Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Kestin Pondi, disclosed this at the Joint Petroleum Parliamentary Roundtable held at the National Assembly of Nigeria in Abuja.
Pondi said the turnaround followed Tantita’s engagement to secure critical oil infrastructure at a time production had sharply declined. He attributed the gains to strategic collaboration with security agencies and host communities.
“We do not protect assets from the people; we protect the assets with the people,” he said, stressing that involving locals who understand the terrain has significantly improved outcomes.
He noted that Nigeria’s production dropped from 1.8 million barrels per day in 2020 to 1.6 million in 2021 before hitting its lowest in 2022, adding that the current recovery underscores the effectiveness of inclusive security measures.
Despite the progress, Pondi warned that challenges remain, urging increased investment and sustained coordination to meet national production targets. He also cautioned against fragmenting the security framework, saying it could reverse gains.
The Tantita boss acknowledged sacrifices made in the effort, revealing that personnel from the military, civil defence, and the company have lost lives protecting oil assets.
The roundtable brought together lawmakers, industry operators, and security stakeholders to review strategies for boosting oil production and safeguarding critical infrastructure, with Tantita presenting operational insights and a roadmap for sustaining current gains.
