National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Chuks Peter, DELTA
In an effort to bolster the fight against oil theft, ensure safer waterways, increase oil production, and enhance national security, His Majesty King Monday Obukohwo Whiskey, Udurhie 1, the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom in Delta State, has called on President Bola Tinubu to expand the operations of Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL).
During a media parley at his palace in Otorho-Idjerhe (Jesse Town), Ethiope West Local Government Area, King Whiskey urged President Tinubu to direct the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) to broaden Tantita’s contract to cover more states.
This, he noted, is crucial for effectively combating oil theft.
The first-class monarch noted that since the Federal Government assigned Tantita Security Services the task of securing critical national oil assets, incidents of illegal oil theft and sea piracy have significantly declined.
He praised Chief Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, for his effective measures in reducing crude oil theft to the barest minimum.
King Whiskey highlighted the urgency of this expansion, citing Nigeria’s inability to meet OPEC’s crude oil production quota for 2024.
He argued that expanding Tantita’s area of coverage would boost crude oil production, thereby supporting the 2024 budget.
“From every available fact, Tantita Security Services has demonstrated not only its capacity but also a strong commitment to enhancing our oil and gas production,” King Whiskey stated.
“To move forward, the Federal Government must continue to support Tantita’s efforts.”
He commended President Tinubu for renewing Tantita’s contract and advocated for extending its scope to regions where oil theft is still prevalent.
According to King Whiskey, other contractors have not matched Tantita’s success in improving crude oil production and environmental conditions in their operational areas.
He noted a visible improvement in cleaner waterways due to the reduction in crude oil theft.
“The government should consider expanding Tantita’s operations to ensure a cleaner environment, as the areas within Tantita’s coverage are regenerating to their baseline conditions,” he asserted.
The Idjerhe monarch also praised Tompolo and Tantita for creating job opportunities for youths in the Niger Delta, which has helped reduce unemployment and foster peace in the once-troubled region.
King Whiskey urged Nigerians to be patient with President Tinubu’s administration, noting that one year is insufficient to fairly judge the government’s performance.
He emphasised the need for collective support to help the president navigate the country through its current economic challenges.
He concluded by encouraging Nigerians to return to farming, revealing that he had instructed his subjects and residents to embrace agriculture to ensure food security during these challenging economic times.
