…endorse Tantita’s oil asset protection success

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

A coalition of over 200 lawmakers and leaders of Niger Delta Host Communities (HOSTCOM) has called on the Federal Government to confer prestigious national honours on High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and the leadership of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited for their role in safeguarding Nigeria’s oil and gas assets.

The call was among key resolutions adopted at a joint retreat of the House of Representatives Committees on Host Communities (HOSTCOM) and Public Petitions held on Wednesday at Protea Hotel, Owerri, with trustees and leaders of Niger Delta host communities in attendance.

The participants praised Tantita’s leadership for what they described as exceptional commitment, patriotism and sacrifice in protecting critical petroleum infrastructure across the Niger Delta, noting that the company’s intervention had contributed significantly to the recovery and sustained growth of Nigeria’s crude oil production.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the retreat, the lawmakers and community leaders urged the Federal Government to formally recognise Tantita’s contributions through the conferment of national honours.

The communiqué stated that the honours would serve as recognition of the company’s “outstanding contributions to national security and the protection of critical petroleum infrastructure.”

The gathering also expressed concern over what it described as persistent media attacks and inflammatory remarks directed at Tompolo and Tantita, warning that such actions could undermine the peace and stability restored in the region and threaten gains already recorded in the fight against oil theft.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor S. C. Dike, an expert in Energy and Comparative Environmental Law, highlighted the impact of Tantita’s operations on Nigeria’s oil sector.

According to him, crude oil production, which had fallen below 1.2 million barrels per day at its lowest point, has risen to over 1.7 million barrels per day following intensified surveillance operations and the clampdown on oil theft activities.

Dike said the company had helped uncover and dismantle thousands of illegal pipeline connections and crude oil bunkering routes, leading to the recovery of billions of naira in revenues that would otherwise have been lost to criminal activities.

He added that Tantita’s operations had created employment opportunities for thousands of Niger Delta youths while restoring peace and stability in many oil-producing communities previously plagued by unrest.

Chairman of the House Committee on Host Communities, Hon. Dekor Dumnamene Robinson, described the recognition being sought for Tompolo and his team as well deserved.

“Tompolo and his team have served this country at great personal risk. They have kept the economic lifeline of the nation running and restored peace to communities that had not experienced peace in decades,” he said.

The retreat unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and urged both the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to approve a long-term extension of the company’s surveillance contract.

The resolutions are expected to be forwarded to the Presidency, the National Honours Award Committee and other relevant government agencies for consideration.