President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s October 1, 2026, Independence Day broadcast offered insights into Nigeria’s economic performance since he assumed office in 2023, highlighting improvements in key macroeconomic indicators, including economic growth, inflation and oil theft.
The President acknowledged that oil theft had declined significantly, while the economy was projected to grow by more than four per cent in 2026 and inflation had fallen substantially from its peak.
Against this backdrop, the operations of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), which is responsible for protecting oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta, have attracted attention from stakeholders who link improved pipeline security to the reduction in crude oil theft and the recovery of oil production.
When Tinubu assumed office in 2023, Nigeria’s economy faced significant challenges. Inflation was rising sharply, foreign exchange reserves were under pressure, investor confidence had weakened, and oil theft remained a major threat to government revenue and the country’s energy security.
The administration subsequently introduced far-reaching economic reforms aimed at stabilising the economy, improving public revenue and restoring investor confidence.
In his Independence Day address, Tinubu acknowledged the difficulties Nigerians had experienced while highlighting what he described as progress in the economy.
“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,” he said.
Highlighting the administration’s economic performance, the President 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.”
He added that the country’s external reserves had improved, the foreign exchange market had stabilised and non-oil exports had recorded significant growth.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The President, however, acknowledged that reducing the cost of living remained a priority for his administration.
“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,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of collaboration with state and local governments in strengthening primary healthcare, basic education and other essential public services.
The President said the administration had continued to pay salaries and pensions on time while introducing reforms intended to benefit retirees and vulnerable Nigerians.
Tantita’s Role In Combating Oil Theft
Sustaining the gains in oil production and government revenue requires continued efforts to protect pipelines, prevent illegal connections and curb crude oil theft across the Niger Delta.
A reported 79 per cent decline in oil theft has been linked to the operations of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, which the Federal Government engaged to protect critical oil infrastructure in the region.
The company, led by High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, was appointed to support the protection of Nigeria’s oil assets and improve security in the Niger Delta.
The engagement was intended to strengthen surveillance of oil infrastructure, reduce losses associated with crude oil theft and support the uninterrupted flow of petroleum resources.
Tantita operates in collaboration with other security agencies to monitor oil pipelines, identify illegal connections, detect crude oil theft and report suspected illegal refining activities for enforcement action.
Its activities have been associated with efforts to improve security around oil installations, reduce disruptions to production and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to benefit from its petroleum resources.
The company’s supporters argue that improved surveillance and cooperation with local communities have helped address longstanding security challenges in the Niger Delta, where difficult terrain has historically complicated efforts to protect oil infrastructure.
Tompolo’s approach is based partly on the argument that people familiar with the creeks and waterways are better positioned to identify suspicious activities and understand local security risks.
Consequently, Tantita’s operations involve people with knowledge of the terrain, including fishermen, boat operators and others familiar with the region’s waterways.
The company’s personnel monitor export pipelines, trace illegal connections, identify locations associated with crude oil theft and report suspected illegal refining activities to relevant security agencies.
Beyond security, Tantita has also been associated with employment and alternative livelihood initiatives in communities affected by illegal oil activities.
The company reportedly employs about 136,000 people directly in pipeline-related work, with indirect employment extending to more than 300,000 others.
In another effort to promote alternative livelihoods, Tantita, in partnership with the Stakeholders Development Network and Ecosus Pro Nigeria Limited, launched the Tantita Sustainable Rice Farming Initiative.
The initiative seeks to encourage communities previously associated with illegal oil activities to participate in large-scale rice farming, providing an alternative source of income while supporting agricultural production.
Stakeholders advocating continued collaboration with Tantita argue that protecting oil infrastructure remains essential to sustaining production, improving government revenue and supporting Nigeria’s broader economic objectives.
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Technology-Driven Security Operations
Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited says it integrates technology into its security operations to improve surveillance, detect threats and facilitate communication among personnel.
According to information published by the company, its technology and systems integration solutions are designed to strengthen security infrastructure, improve operational efficiency and enable faster responses to incidents.
The company deploys surveillance systems to protect infrastructure against vandalism, theft and unauthorised access.
Its surveillance equipment includes high-resolution cameras with night vision and thermal imaging capabilities, allowing security personnel to monitor activities around critical facilities at all times.
