The House of Representatives Committees on Host Communities (HOSCON) and Public Petitions have called on the Federal Government to confer national honours on Niger Delta leader, Government Ekpemupolo, and the leadership of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited for their role in protecting Nigeria’s critical petroleum infrastructure and boosting crude oil production.

The lawmakers made the recommendation at the end of a joint retreat held in Owerri, Imo State, with trustees and leaders of Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM), where participants reviewed the impact of pipeline surveillance operations on the nation’s oil sector.

In resolutions adopted after the one-day meeting at Protea Hotel, Owerri, the committees praised Tantita’s leadership for what they described as exceptional patriotism and sacrifice in safeguarding strategic national assets across the Niger Delta.

They noted that the company’s operations had played a major role in curbing crude oil theft, protecting pipelines and supporting the recovery of Nigeria’s oil output.

The retreat specifically urged the Federal Government to confer high national honours on the leadership of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited in recognition of its contributions to national security and the protection of critical petroleum infrastructure.

Participants numbering over 200 also called for an end to what they described as unwarranted media attacks and inflammatory comments directed at Tompolo and his team, warning that such actions could undermine the fragile peace achieved in the Niger Delta and threaten ongoing gains in oil asset protection.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor S. C. Dike highlighted the achievements recorded under Tantita’s surveillance operations.

According to him, Nigeria’s crude oil production, which had fallen below 1.2 million barrels per day at its lowest point, had risen steadily to more than 1.7 million barrels per day following intensified efforts against oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

Dike said thousands of illegal pipeline connection points and crude oil bunkering routes had been uncovered and dismantled, while substantial revenues previously lost to theft had been recovered for the Federal Government.

He added that the operations had also generated employment opportunities for thousands of youths across oil-producing communities and helped restore stability in areas previously plagued by insecurity and economic sabotage.

Chairman of the House Committee on Host Communities, Dekor Dumnamene Robinson, described the proposed recognition for Tompolo and Tantita as well deserved.

“Tompolo and his team have served this country at great personal risk. They have kept the economic lifeline of the nation running and restored peace to communities that had not experienced peace in decades,” he said.

The retreat also passed a unanimous vote of confidence in Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and urged both the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to grant the firm a long-term contract extension.

The resolutions are expected to be forwarded to the Presidency, the National Honours Award Committee and other relevant government agencies for consideration.