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Torkwase Nyiekaa
Federal lawmakers and leaders of oil-producing communities in the Niger Delta have called on the Federal Government to confer a national honour on Niger Delta leader, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and the leadership of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, citing their contributions to the protection of Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure and the recovery of crude oil production.
The call was made at the end of a joint retreat of the House of Representatives Committees on Host Communities (HOSTCOM) and Public Petitions held in Owerri, Imo State.
The gathering brought together lawmakers, trustees and representatives of host communities to assess developments in oil asset protection, community engagement and the broader security situation across the Niger Delta.
Participants unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, commending the private surveillance contractor for its role in combating crude oil theft, safeguarding pipelines and supporting efforts to restore stability in oil-producing areas.
The recommendation formed part of resolutions adopted at the retreat and contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting.
According to the communiqué, “the Federal Government should 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 endorsement comes against the backdrop of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to tackle large-scale oil theft and pipeline vandalism, challenges that have for years undermined crude oil production, weakened government revenues and discouraged investment in the petroleum sector.
Since its engagement by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to provide pipeline surveillance services, Tantita has emerged as a central player in the country’s anti-oil theft strategy, particularly in the Niger Delta where illegal refining operations and crude oil bunkering networks have historically thrived.
Addressing participants at the retreat, Professor S. C. Dike, a Professor of Energy and Comparative Environmental Law, highlighted what he described as the measurable impact of the company’s operations on Nigeria’s oil industry.
According to him, crude oil production, which had dropped below 1.2 million barrels per day at one point amid widespread theft and insecurity, has risen significantly following intensified surveillance and enforcement activities.
“Thousands of illegal connection points and crude oil bunkering routes have been discovered and dismantled. Billions of naira in stolen revenues have also been recovered for the Federal Government,” Dike said.
He argued that beyond improving production levels, the security framework adopted by Tantita has generated economic and social benefits for communities across the region.
“The engagement of local youths in legitimate security and surveillance activities has helped reduce restiveness in many communities. What we are witnessing today is a model that combines security, economic empowerment and community participation,” he stated.
The retreat also expressed concern over what participants described as sustained attacks on Tompolo and the company, warning that continued negative narratives could undermine recent gains recorded in the region.
The communiqué called for an end to what it termed “unwarranted media attacks, insults and inflammatory commentary” directed at Tantita and its leadership, stressing that national interest should take precedence over divisive rhetoric capable of threatening peace and stability in the Niger Delta.
Chairman of the House Committee on Host Communities, Dekor Dumnamene Robinson, said the recognition being sought for Tompolo and his team reflected the significance of their contribution to Nigeria’s economic and security interests.
“Tompolo and his team have served this country at great personal risk. They have helped to keep the economic lifeline of the nation running and restored peace to communities that had not experienced peace in decades,” Robinson said.
He added that the progress recorded in securing critical petroleum assets and reducing crude oil theft underscored the effectiveness of involving host communities in the protection of national infrastructure.
Stakeholders at the retreat further urged the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to grant Tantita a long-term contract extension, arguing that continuity would help sustain improvements in pipeline security and support further growth in crude oil output.
The resolutions reached at the meeting are expected to be transmitted to the Presidency, the National Honours Award Committee and other relevant government institutions for consideration.
The development highlights the growing recognition of community-based security initiatives within Nigeria’s oil-producing region, where successive administrations have struggled to balance security enforcement, economic inclusion and sustainable development.
For many stakeholders, the debate now extends beyond oil theft prevention to the broader question of how local participation can be leveraged to protect strategic national assets while fostering peace and economic opportunities in host communities.
