Niger Delta Youths Pass Vote Of Confidence On Tompolo

The Host Communities Producing Oil, Gas, and Pipeline Impacted States Youth Council of Nigeria (HOSTCONYCN) has unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the Chairman of Tantita Security Services, High Chief (Dr.) Government Ekpemupolo, a.k.a. Tompolo.

The group also commended the Vice Chairman, Engr. Matthew Tonlagha, and the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Engr. Kestin Pondi, FNSE, for their tireless efforts in increasing the nation’s crude oil output from 900,000 barrels to 1.8 million barrels, now nearing 2 million daily.

During a press conference in Abuja yesterday, the President of HOSTCONYCN, Comrade Emmanuel Fiawei T. Pathfinder, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for entrusting Tantita Security Services with critical responsibilities.

He stated that more achievements are anticipated in 2025, adding that the Youth Council remains committed to working closely with the leadership and management of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited to ensure more significant impacts are achieved in the nation’s oil and gas sector.

“We affirm the support of youth leaders from various oil-producing and pipeline-impacted states, including Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ondo, Abia, Imo, Anambra, Kogi, Kaduna, Bauchi, Adamawa, Kano, and Nasarawa,” he said.

The Council’s membership comprises ex-Niger Delta agitators, environmental experts, socio-economic advocacy lawyers, defenders of host community rights, young intellectuals, civil society organisations, and media personnel from oil and gas-producing communities and pipeline-impacted states.

“Our goal is to engage with the necessary authorities on the best way forward for oil and gas-producing communities and advocate for the proper implementation of the 3% Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) regarding the Host Communities Development Trust Fund (HCDTF) to ensure equal rights, justice, fairness, and inclusiveness,” he added.

He emphasised the vital role of the host communities in the oil and gas sector, stating, “We are the eyes, ears, heart, strength, and foot soldiers of oil and gas-producing communities. As critical stakeholders, we must actively participate in all PIA and HOSTCON matters.”

The Council also commended Engr Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), for his transformational policies and reforms in restructuring and sanitising the nation’s oil sector. The Council recognised his efforts in working with host communities to inaugurate the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) across oil-producing states and communities.

Furthermore, they applauded Engr. Komolafe for his commitment to accountability, transparency, and efficient utilisation of natural resources. He has facilitated the proper disbursement of the 3% allocation as stipulated in the PIA, which has resulted in over N200 billion being disbursed to the HCDT for infrastructure and socio-economic development in host communities.

The Council urged stakeholders in oil and gas communities to protect oil pipelines and facilities, ensuring sustainable development and growth in the oil sector. “This collective effort has significantly increased the nation’s oil production output to 1.8 million barrels per day and is now nearing 2 million barrels daily by the end of December 2024. This is based on Tantita’s laudable efforts and tireless sacrifices.