Increased Oil Production: FG Urged to Increase Tantita’s Contract Sum

By Naija Enquirer Staff

The Mayor of Urhoboland and former militant leader, Eshanekpe Israel, also known as Akpodoro, has appealed to the Federal Government to increase the value of the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL).

Akpodoro said the call became necessary following reports of steady improvement in Nigeria’s crude oil production and significant reduction in oil theft, which he attributed to the surveillance operations of TSSNL, managed by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

94.57% Reduction in Oil Losses

Referencing a report by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Akpodoro stated that Nigeria’s crude oil losses dropped from an average of 102,900 barrels per day in 2021 to 9,600 barrels per day in July 2025, representing a 94.57 percent decline.

He commended the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for engaging private security firms to protect vital oil assets, noting that the community-based surveillance model had proven effective in curbing theft.

Call for Contract Expansion

Akpodoro urged President Bola Tinubu, through the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to expand TSSNL’s operational scope to cover more areas. He argued that extending the firm’s reach and increasing its funding would further strengthen efforts to eliminate crude oil theft across Nigerian waters.

“With more support and resources, Tantita can play a decisive role in securing Nigeria’s oil wealth and sustaining the gains already achieved,” Akpodoro said.