Military-civilian collaboration drove Nigeria’s oil output to 1.8m barrels daily – Army Chief

…as Army inaugurates Tantita-backed 60-unit transit accommodation

Nigeria’s recent increase in oil output has been attributed to significant collaboration between military and civilian groups in the effort to end oil theft and vandalism.

This was made known on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, as Waidi Shaibu, Lieutenant General and the Chief of Army Staff, inaugurated a 60‑unit Officers’ Transit Accommodation at the 6 Division, Nigerian Army.

Nigeria suffered low oil output, losing petroleum products daily to pipeline vandals and crude-oil thieves, whose operations were felt most in the Niger Delta.

Shaibu, while inaugurating the project constructed with support from Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, a pipeline surveillance group, noted the link between Army personnel welfare and improved professional efficiency.

The project provides 60 one‑bedroom flats for newly transferred officers and others who require transit accommodation.

Shaibu, represented by Tariweriye Ebioei Gagariga, Major General and the Director‑General of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, said the project was an example of a military‑civilian partnership aimed at improving the military’s operational efficiency, while describing Tantita as a dependable ally in the fight against oil theft and pipeline vandalism.”

He stressed that improved personnel welfare and the military‑civilian partnership had led to a drastic increase in Nigeria’s oil output levels.

Shaibu said, “Welfare remains a central pillar of my command philosophy: a soldier who is properly accommodated is better focused, better motivated, and better prepared for operational tasks.

“This great initiative has reduced the pressure of housing challenges in Port Harcourt barracks, thereby enhancing administrative efficiency and ensuring that troops can better concentrate on their primary duty of securing our nation. Today’s event also underscores the value of strategic collaboration.

“The Niger Delta region presents unique security challenges that demand synergy among stakeholders. Tantita Security Services has demonstrated its commitment as a dependable partner in protecting critical national assets, particularly in the fight against oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

“This project reflects an understanding that national security is a shared responsibility. The Nigerian Army appreciates this gesture and views it as an investment in the human element of our joint security architecture. ‘To the officers who will occupy this facility, I charge you to maintain the highest standards of discipline and cleanliness.”

Shaibu further said “the Nigerian Army’s appreciation to the management of Tantita Security Services for this intervention. Projects like this strengthen the civil‑military relations and contribute tangibly to the operational effectiveness of our troops.

“I also want to especially thank the President and Commander‑in‑Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his sustained interventions for the Nigerian Army to continue to perform its constitutional responsibilities.”

Eric Emekah, Major General and General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, said the initiative to provide accommodation and thereby boost personnel morale “was inspired by and also aligned with the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, which places a premium on the administration and welfare of troops as a critical enabler for operational success.

“It is noteworthy that the contributions and collaborative efforts of stakeholders such as Tantita Security Services have significantly enhanced the operational environment within the Niger Delta region.

“These efforts have contributed immensely to the attainment of the current crude oil production output of approximately 1.7 to 1.8 million barrels per day, a remarkable feat that has not been achieved since 2009,” Emekah said.

Efemena Edafioghor, retired Brigadier‑General and General Manager (Security), who represented Kestin Pondi, Tantita’s Managing Director, expressed the company’s commitment to improving collaboration with relevant security agencies to safeguard pipelines and other national assets.

He said, “The Nigerian Army has continued to play a critical role in safeguarding the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of our nation. Beyond its constitutional responsibilities, the Army has remained at the forefront of maintaining internal security, combating criminality, protecting critical national assets, and supporting national development.

“The sacrifices made daily by officers and soldiers in the service of our dear country deserve our collective support and recognition. The decision by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and Maton Engineering Services to facilitate the construction of this accommodation project was informed by our belief that the welfare of personnel is a critical component of operational effectiveness.

“As indigenous companies committed to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, particularly in the Niger Delta region, our collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies has continued to yield positive outcomes in safeguarding the nation’s oil and gas infrastructure, enhancing security, and supporting the country’s economic well‑being,” he said.