The House of Representatives Committees on Host Communities and Public Petitions have urged the Federal Government to honour Niger Delta figure, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, alongside the management of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited for their contributions to the protection of Nigeria’s oil infrastructure and the rise in crude oil output.
The lawmakers made the call at a joint retreat held in Owerri, Imo State, where stakeholders under the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) reviewed the performance of pipeline surveillance operations in the Niger Delta.
At the end of the one-day meeting held at the Protea Hotel, participants commended Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited for what they described as patriotic service in safeguarding key national oil assets.
They noted that the firm’s operations had significantly reduced oil theft, strengthened pipeline security, and supported the recovery of Nigeria’s crude production levels.
The committees consequently recommended that the Federal Government consider awarding national honours to the leadership of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited in recognition of its role in protecting critical petroleum infrastructure and supporting national security objectives.
More than 200 participants at the retreat also cautioned against what they described as persistent media criticism and inflammatory remarks targeting Tompolo and his team, warning that such narratives could destabilise the relative peace currently being experienced in the Niger Delta and weaken ongoing gains in oil facility protection.
In a keynote presentation, Professor S. C. Dike highlighted the impact of surveillance activities led by Tantita, noting improvements in Nigeria’s oil production.
He stated that output, which had previously dropped below 1.2 million barrels per day, had risen to over 1.7 million barrels per day following intensified anti-theft operations and increased pipeline monitoring.
According to him, thousands of illegal connection points and bunkering routes had been dismantled, leading to the recovery of lost revenue and improved national earnings.
He further explained that the operations had created employment opportunities for youths across oil-producing communities and contributed to restoring stability in previously volatile areas.
Chairman of the House Committee on Host Communities, Dekor Dumnamene Robinson, also backed the proposed national recognition, describing it as deserved.
He said Tompolo and his team had made significant personal sacrifices in protecting Nigeria’s economic lifeline and restoring calm to communities long affected by insecurity.
The retreat concluded with a unanimous vote of confidence in Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and a call on the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to consider extending its operational contract.
The recommendations are expected to be submitted to the Presidency and the National Honours Committee for further consideration.