In a stirring endorsement of the Federal Government’s private-sector collaboration on pipeline surveillance and oil theft prevention, renowned humanitarian activist and lecturer at the Southern Delta University, Ozoro, and an oil industry stakeholder, Engr. Dr. Messiah Doupade Olaye, has lauded High Chief Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo, and the entire Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited personnel for their immeasurable contributions to the Nigerian economy, describing the company’s impact as "a game-changer in national economic revival."

Speaking during a strategic stakeholders’ forum on energy security in Warri, Delta State, Dr. Messiah Olaye commended Tantita (Tompolo) for its surgical precision in combating crude oil theft, attributing Nigeria’s recent economic improvements—particularly in the oil and gas sector—to Tantita’s tireless operations.

According to him, "Since Tantita Security Services Ltd., led by the Niger Delta leader, High Chief Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) was contracted by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in August 2022, the figures have been astounding:

"Crude Oil Production Surge: Nigeria's daily crude oil production has increased from 1.1 million barrels per day (bpd) in mid-2022 to an average of 1.55 million bpd as of Q1 2025—a nearly 41% increase, helping Nigeria meet and exceed OPEC+ quotas after years of shortfalls.

"Revenue Recovery: The Nigerian government have recovered over $2.7 billion in lost oil revenues from 2022 to 2024 due to Tantita’s activities in arresting illegal pipelines, shutting down crude theft syndicates, and restoring vandalized oil infrastructure.

"Pipeline Recovery: Over 4,000 illegal refineries and siphoning points have been uncovered and deactivated across the Niger Delta, including the recovery of over 150 illegal tapping points on the Trans-Niger Pipeline, Nembe Creek Trunk Line, and Escravos Terminal infrastructure.

"Security Collaboration: Tantita’s partnership with the Nigerian Navy, NSCDC, DSS, and NNPCL Security Division has led to the arrest of over 230 oil thieves and the seizure of more than 85 vessels, many of which were caught mid-operation siphoning crude or refining illegally."

Dr. Olaye further stated that, “What Tantita has done is beyond mere surveillance. They’ve plugged one of the country’s biggest economic leaks. Before Tantita, we were bleeding as a nation, but today we are healing. If there’s one private company deserving of national honors for economic patriotism, it’s Tantita.”

He stressed that the firm’s localized approach—employing youths and ex-agitators familiar with the terrains—has created direct jobs for over 7,500 Niger Delta youths and indirect jobs for over 20,000 others in communities previously plagued by poverty and pipeline vandalism.

On the macroeconomic implications of Tantita, he noted that the Nigerian economy, which depends on crude oil for over 80% of foreign exchange earnings, has shown signs of macroeconomic stabilization in the past years since Tantita commenced operations.

"Foreign Reserves Growth: The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reported a $3.2 billion increase in foreign reserves between Q4 2023 and Q2 2025, another attestation to the good works for Tantita.

"Naira Stabilization: The improved oil receipts helped support the Naira, with the exchange rate appreciating by 17% in the last 10 months.

"Improved Budget Performance: The 2024 budget implementation report credited “recovered oil production and enhanced pipeline security” for the over 75% revenue performance rate, the highest since 2015, indeed we cannot thank Tantita Security Company enough," he added.

Dr. Olaye therefore called for Policy Continuity as he urged the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration and relevant oil sector authorities to sustain and institutionalize the Tantita model, stressing that economic sabotage must never again be tolerated. He recommended expanding Tantita's framework to other strategic sectors like gas pipeline security, maritime patrol, and inland oil depot surveillance.

"Tantita has become a symbol of what works in Nigeria when the right minds, methods, and mission align. Tantita have redefined the architecture of national security through economic defense, we give God the glory and appreciate the High Chief Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo whom God used to turn the tide of national calamity against the economic saboteurs" he concluded.

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