In a glittering ceremony held at the Convention Centre of Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, a private security company owned by High Chief (Dr.) Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, was honored with the prestigious Vanguard Crude Oil Infrastructure Security award for the year 2023.
The event, which took place on Friday night, saw a gathering of celebrities, politicians, business moguls, and dignitaries who came together to celebrate the achievements of distinguished Nigerians excelling in their respective fields.
President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to award the Pipeline Security Contract to Tompolo’s Tantita in 2022 was a response to the alarming rate of pipeline vandalism and oil theft, which had been significantly impacting Nigeria’s oil and gas output. The move was aimed at curbing these vices and safeguarding the country’s valuable oil infrastructure.
The impact of Tantita’s security operations has been remarkable, as evidenced by the increase in Nigeria’s average rig count by 62 percent year-on-year, reaching 15 between June and October 2023, compared to 9 in the same period in 2022. This positive development signals a significant improvement in activities within the upstream sector.
Encouraged by the company’s performance, President Bola Tinubu has reportedly expressed intentions to renew the contract, further enabling Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited to continue its vital security operations in the oil-rich region.
Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, the media consultant to Tantita, received the award on behalf of the company and expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating that it will inspire the organization to achieve even greater milestones.
Bebenimibo highlighted Tantita’s ambitious goal of reaching a daily output of 2 million barrels, a target that has been further energized by the series of awards received by the company in acknowledgment of its outstanding work in securing Nigeria’s critical oil infrastructure.
According to the media guru, “We are elated and its a call to service, we are poised to do our best to sanitizing the crude oil industry. Infact, our message has always been that illegal bunkerers and those that are involved in such activity should keep clear.
“They don’t have any place to hide and Tantita will come after them and make sure that our production gets to the pick and generate more money for the country.”
In a chat with newsmen, former President of Nigerian Football Federation, Amaju Pinick reiterated the essence of recognising the achievements of Tompolo and the Tantita Security Services in bringing stability to the region.
According to him, ” Every Niger Deltan is very proud of what Tantita is doing basically. Its coming into the security industry, has helped to secure Nigeria’s oil installations. It has been a game changer and the Federal Government and everybody acknowledged that.”
Similarly, former Governor of Cross Rivers State, Donald Duke in his remarks said, “Tompolo’s organization, Tantita Security Services Limited job of protecting the nation’s oil against theft has greatly increased oil production in the country which invariably, has increased Federal Government’s revenue.
“Anybody who can bring value to our society is commendable, okay? And I have spoken to some Old Executives, Shell and all that, and they appreciate his work. And I am told that production has gone up as a result of his work.”
Earlier in his welcome address, Vanguard Newspapers’ Editor, Eze Anaba said, the awardee’s contributions have not only advanced their field, but also inspired and uplifted those around them.
With a renewed contract on the horizon and a track record of success, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited is poised to continue its essential role in protecting the country’s oil and gas assets and contributing to the growth of the sector.
