Former Niger Delta militant and chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd (TSSNL), Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, has vowed to increase the production output of crude oil to two million barrels per day for the country.
The Ijaw-born lord of the creeks said he’d put more effort in the fight against oil theft, and other economic sabotage in the Niger Delta to prevent the nation from going down the abyss financially.
Tompolo made the pledge as he bagged Courage of Leadership Award in Nigeria at the Sun Newspaper Awards 2024 which was held on Saturday, in Lagos.
Receiving the award on his behalf, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, media consultant to TSSNL, disclosed that the pipeline surveillance firm was targeting a two million barrel per day output for the country, adding that the award would spur the company to work harder.
He expressed gratitude to the newspaper medium for recognizing their efforts and recalled that they had discovered a lot of points that illegal activities were being perpetrated, adding that three vessels have been arrested as of this year.
“Since the Federal Government asked Tantita Security Company, which Chief Government Ekpemupolo is the chairman to protect our oil facilities, he has been making waves for his good job, so this award didn’t come to us as a surprise.
“He has asked us to inform Nigerians that they should be rest assured that he will continue to do the job, and he is going to increase the barrels to 2 million per day.
“Tantita is not alone in carrying out this job. They’re doing this job with the Nigerian military, and the military is also doing their best.
“It has been in synergy between Tantita and the military and the civil defence as well. The synergy will continue by God’s grace. We will hit the mark that we have been clamouring for.
“We’ve discovered a lot of points that illegal activities were been done in the creek. Vessels were arrested, and just this year, we’ve arrested three of them. And we will continue to do the job. We are going to block all lockless, and nobody would be able to involve in illegal activities again,” he vowed.
The Managing Director (MD) of the Sun Newspapers, Mr Onuoha Ukeh, while presenting the award, commended Tompolo and his security firm, affirming that oil theft has reduced and Nigeria’s production has increased.
“In deciding who wins our award, it takes a lot of vigorous process. We examine all the pros and cons so that when we come out, we can defend any decision we’ve taken.
“Talking about Tompolo, he has done very well in curbing oil theft. Oil theft is a problem in Nigeria, and the government also knows that and says it.
“For the government to have confidence to say Tompolo, come and do this job, it’s something that is worth commending.
“So far, he has done well and the result is that oil theft has reduced, Nigeria’s production has increased, and that means more money for Nigeria.
“Yes, it’s for all Nigerians to support whatever that will curb oil theft. Because if it’s not curbed, the country will be bleeding, and when the country bleeds, we lose money, we lose resources, and we will be looking for money to do what we’re doing.
“So, it’s for everyone to support whatever that will stop that theft in the oil sector,” he averred.
On his part, HRM Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, who also bagged the ‘Most Impactful Royal Father of the Year’, conferred royal blessings on Tompolo over the fight against oil theft, and promised to pray for him from the throne of Oduduwa.
“I want to use this medium to congratulate Government Tompolo for what he’s doing in terms of security, securing the pipelines and vandalism, and also theft of crude oil.
“It has increased to 1.6 million barrels now, from less than 700 to 800 thousand, but we’re imploring that they should do more and increase it to 2.6 to 3 million barrels so that the effect of dollar and the pressure of dollar will come down in Nigeria.
“We believe it can be done, and God will continue to be with them. Keep up the good work, and I will continue to wish you well from my throne of Oduduwa,” he said.
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