By Edeki Igafe

Rep. Thomas Ereyitomi, a member representing Warri Federal Constituency, has urged the Federal Government to speed up  contract renewal and expansion of  Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL).

Ereyitomi, a House of Representatives member, made the call in a letter to President Bola Tinubu and  made available to newsmen on Thursday in Warri.

“The Presidency under Muhammadu Buhari  recognised the potential of Tomoplo and his Tantita outfit.

‘The company has done well in the protection of pipelines and other federal government oil assets in the Niger Delta,” he said.

Ereyitomi said that since the engagement of the TSSL, crude production had risen steadily over time, oscillating between 1.4 and 1.6 million barrels per day.

He said that before the intervention of the Tantita, the country’s crude production was within  650,000 barrels per day.

“Mr President, this open letter is a follow up to the one I sent to you on Aug. 30, 2023.

“It is on the same subject matter of pipelines surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta, ” he said.

The lawmaker said that  the security outfit was one of the  private security companies hired by the Federal Government for the surveillance of oil pipelines.

“The company holds a  revered position amongst security firms engaged by the government to provide surveillance for pipelines in the Niger Delta.

“That the company’s contract should be renewed to encourage its management for better future performance,” he said.

Ereyitomi said that since hid letter was sent to the President, my letter was  ublished, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) being undecided for six months over the Tantita contract renewal.

The lawmaker said that crude oil daily production had kept improving, noting that it was an indication that some people were working tirelessly to ensure a turnaround.

“Recent events and development made me want to remind you again on the same matter.

“Operatives of TSSL  are working in a collaborative synergy with a  special task force, set up by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla.

“They recently launched an unending, ruthless and relentless, well synchronised siege on unrepentant criminals and oil thieves in the Niger Delta. So far, the results have been very encouraging,” he said.

Ereyitomi said that in the last three weeks, two heavy duty oil bunkering vessels – MT Kali and MT Harbour Spirit, were intercepted and apprehended.

He said that the feat was possible during the joint operations of Tantita and the Vice-Adm. Ogalla’s special forces.