House of Representatives Special Committee investigating Oil theft/ losses has said the parliament would consider legislation to enhance the involvement of private security outfits in protecting the country’s oil and gas facilities.

The chairman of the panel, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, stated this, when he led chairmen of oil and gas related committees, in the House, on an on-the-spot assessment of vessels arrested by a private security outfit, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, in collaboration with security agencies in Delta State for alleged theft of crude oil in Bayelsa State.

The lawmaker lauded the security outfit for its efforts in protecting oil installations in the Niger Delta, saying that or has led to improved production. He noted that it is imperative for the government to step up efforts in the protection of oil assets, due to their importance to the country’s economy.

Doguwa said “we will also see to the possibility of creating a legal framework where private institutions like Tantita would be allowed, not only on the shallow waters, but even to go and operate in the high seas, the deep waters to see how they can protect our assets.

“The economy is around the oil sector and we must have to do whatever is needed to protect our oil assets and to protect these very particular areas so that we would continue to catch up with the quota accorded to us by OPEC which is the most important thing.

“We must do that because it is only when you do that you can be able to generate the desired revenue, the desired resources to develop the country. And reduce pressure on the naira. So many other things; I want to say on behalf of the committee, we have seen very good work done by Tantita.

“We have also seen a very good work being done by our security agencies, Nigerian Army, the Navy and Civil Defence, doing their very best and on our own part we will continue to now create a better performing environment for them to see to the protection of our oil assets,” he said.

The Executive Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Waridi Eniusoh, while speaking on behalf of the firm urged the government to strengthen collaboration with private security firms to protect oil facilities. (Sunday Sun)

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