22 hours ago
17 ARTICLE AD
Photo shows from right the NSCDC Commandant-General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, Tompolo and Pondi
The Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr. Ahmed Audi, on Thursday, paid an operational visit to the facilities of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, a private security outfit contracted by the Federal Government.
During the visit, he emphasised that no single security agency holds a monopoly on strategies for combating crude oil theft.
Audi, who led a top hierarchy of NSCDC personnel to Tantita’s head office in Warri and Gbaramatu Kingdom paid glowing tributes to TSSNL, noting that with Tantita’s collaboration, the level of the nation’s crude oil production capacity has improved tremendously.
Audi further remarked, “Even though Tantita is not the only private security company engaged by the Federal Government for oil pipeline security surveillance activities, Tantita is doing very well as far as I am concerned.”
He declared pointedly that “NSCDC would continue to collaborate with Tantita in safeguarding government assets in the Niger Delta region.”
Audi, while commending Tantita for the support and collaboration so far, further stated that he has “come to Tantita to cement the relationship that we have. Collaboration is very, very central. We will continue to collaborate with Tantita because the whole objective is trying to reduce to the barest minimum or even curb completely this menace of crude oil theft.”
The NSCDC Commandant-General spoke further, “Tantita is one of the major stakeholders collaborating with Joint Security Services as far as the provision of security and safety of pipelines is concerned. We have seen now really that no service has the monopoly of any strategy as far as curbing this (crude oil theft) menace is concerned.
“Whether we like it or not, as of today, the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy is still oil. And it is going to be our collective decision to come together to protect the precious gift that God has given us. We have seen that if it is going to be done well, one will have private security companies involved in this kind of business because globally, there is what is called PPP (Public Private Partnership) engagement where you interrelate closely with private individuals who have some level of expertise in terms of exhibiting and showing professional knowhow on how to do certain jobs.
“You are not alone in this business. We have other companies. But I have to tell you that Tantita is doing very well as far as I am concerned because our staff are with you. We are collaborating with you. And you are also doing your best in the area of the welfare of the staff. We have been getting information that they are being taken care of.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Managing Director of TSSNL, Chief Kestin Bondi, highlighted the impact of the company’s security operations on curbing oil theft and environmental degradation submitting that apart from the significant improvement in crude oil production, there is presently the restoration of aquatic life in the Niger Delta.
“As of today, we have surpassed two million barrels per day in crude oil production,” he stated, adding, “Our waters are now very clean, and our people can fish again. Before now, if you throw bread into the river, you would hardly see any fish eating it. But today, thanks to Tantita Security Services, the fishes are back.”
Bondi specifically lauded President Bola Tinubu’s administration for providing a level playing field for private security firms assisting in the fight against oil theft.
“When you give someone a job, another thing is to ensure fairness. We must appreciate the government for allowing us to operate effectively,” he said.
The Chairman of Tantita Security Services, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo, could not hide his joy at receiving the visiting NSCDC team in Gbaramatu Kingdom.
