Nigeria’s $50bn offshore investment target depends not only on policy reforms and approvals, but also on securing pipelines and ensuring stability in the Niger Delta, DARE OLAWIN writes
Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector is projected to attract between $30bn and $50bn in offshore investments between 2026 and 2030, according to recent data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.
The commission said the investment pipeline would be driven by 22 major offshore projects expected to boost crude oil production, create jobs, expand energy infrastructure and strengthen the country’s energy security.
The NUPRC said achieving the investment target would require peace and stability in the Niger Delta and the protection of national assets, particularly oil pipelines. Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, in collaboration with other security agencies, plays a key role in securing oil infrastructure in the region.
The regulator attributed the improved investment outlook to reforms introduced under the Petroleum Industry Act, improved licensing transparency and faster project approvals. Since 2024, the regulator has approved more than $57bn in Field Development Plans, with several projects already progressing to Final Investment Decisions.
The commission also said preparations for the 2026 Licensing Round were underway as it sought to attract further investment into Nigeria’s upstream sector. The planned projects are expected to support the government’s target of increasing crude oil production to two million barrels per day by 2027 and three million barrels per day by 2030.
President Bola Tinubu had appointed Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, led by Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, to protect Nigeria’s oil assets in the Niger Delta region. The appointment was to enable TSSNL, through its security operations, to support the national economy in getting the full benefits of oil resource
TSSNL works in collaboration with other security outfits to secure oil assets and ensure peace and stability in the Niger Delta region. Tantita’s operations have ensured the security of oil pipelines, uninterrupted flow of petroleum resources and a shift from constant loss management to stability, planning, growth and development.
The TSSNL operations have also helped reduce oil theft and support increased oil production. Its track record in mitigating risks associated with oil pipelines has positioned it as a partner in preserving Nigeria’s oil infrastructure.
The impact of TSSNL’s operations was captured in a recent survey, with a majority of respondents attributing the de-escalation of security incidents in the Niger Delta region to pipeline surveillance operations executed by the company.
As captured in the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project, violent events declined by 20.9 per cent in the South-South geopolitical region between 2023 and 2025. Fatalities arising from such violent events in the oil-rich region declined by 8.3 per cent within the same period.
Although similar conflicts declined by a higher margin of 26.9 per cent in the South-East region, fatalities resulting from such events increased by 8.3 per cent. The violent events tracked by ACLED during the period included violence against civilians, battles between authorities and armed groups, protests, strategic developments, riots, and explosions/remote violence.
The South-West recorded a decline of 14.1 per cent in the total number of incidents between 2023 and 2025. However, the fatality rate increased by 12.21 per cent.
Further analysis of the database showed that North-West incidents increased by 127.9 per cent between 2023 and 2025, with the region recording a 99.1 per cent increase in the fatality rate.
Enhancing surveillance
Tantita recently contracted Textron Systems to deliver three uncrewed aircraft to enhance its surveillance operations on Nigeria’s oil infrastructure. Under the contract agreement signed late last year, Textron Systems, USA, is to deliver three Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 vertical takeoff and landing uncrewed aircraft systems to the surveillance company.
The systems will be delivered in a fully ITAR-Free configuration designed for ease of export to international customers. The aircraft are expected to enhance security operations for the protection of Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure.
The sale also includes options for training and additional aircraft to support planned capability expansion, building on a previous Foreign Military Sale contract to the country.
The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS offers a runway-independent configuration powered by Hybrid Quadrotor technology, enabling vertical takeoff and landing.
“The Aerosonde Mk. 4.7 VTOL UAS is a mature, highly reliable, and industry-proven autonomous solution that will provide Tantita Security Services with transformational capability to execute their security operations,” said David Phillips, Senior Vice President, Air, Land and Sea Systems.