The Joint Retreat of the House of Representatives Committees on Host Communities (HOSCON) and Public Petitions has called on the Federal Government to confer high national honours on the leadership of Government Ekpemupolo-led Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited for their contributions to the protection of Nigeria’s critical petroleum infrastructure.
The recommendation formed part of resolutions adopted at the end of a one-day retreat held on Wednesday in Owerri in conference with trustees and leaders of Niger Delta Host Communities (HOSTCOM).
The lawmakers and HOSTCOM leaders commended the leadership of Tantita for what they described as exceptional patriotism and sacrifice in safeguarding vital national assets across the Niger Delta, noting that the company’s operations had significantly contributed to the recovery and steady growth of Nigeria’s crude oil production.
According to the resolution, the federal government was urged to “confer high national honours on the leadership of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited in recognition of their outstanding contributions to national security and the protection of critical petroleum infrastructure.”
The retreat also called for an immediate halt to what it described as “unwarranted media attacks, insults and inflammatory commentary” against Tompolo and his team, warning that such actions could undermine the fragile peace restored in the Niger Delta and threaten ongoing gains in oil asset protection.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. S. C. Dike, highlighted what he described as the remarkable achievements recorded under Tantita’s operations.
According to him, Nigeria’s crude oil production, which had dropped below 1.2 million barrels per day at its lowest point, had risen steadily to over 1.7 million barrels per day following intensified pipeline surveillance and anti-oil theft operations.
He added that thousands of illegal connection points and crude oil bunkering routes had been uncovered and dismantled, while billions of naira in stolen revenues were recovered for the Federal Government.
Prof. Dike further stated that the operations had created lawful employment opportunities for thousands of youths in the Niger Delta and restored relative peace in many oil-producing communities that had suffered years of instability.
Chairman of the House Committee on Host Communities, Hon. Dekor Robinson, said the recognition being sought for Tompolo and Tantita was long overdue.
According to him, “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.”
The retreat unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and called on the federal government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to grant the company a long-term contract extension.
The resolutions reached at the retreat are expected to be transmitted to the Office of the President, the National Honours Award Committee and other relevant government authorities.
