19, November, 2024
Trackup-News.Com
Not later than fews days of the disclose increase of Nigeria’s crude oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) and gas production to 7.4 billion standard cubic feet per day, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has accused some members of the Nigerian Navy of sabotaging efforts to secure oil pipelines in the Niger Delta region.
Speaking in Oporoza, Delta State, Tompolo, who is the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, claimed that these Navy personnel are working against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s orders to increase crude oil production ¹.
Tompolo revealed that his security team was recently attacked by Naval personnel while attempting to arrest suspected oil thieves in Port Harcourt.
He emphasized the need for synergy between the Navy and other security agencies to combat oil theft. Despite progress in increasing oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day, security challenges persist ¹.
Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) President, Mazi Afam Josiah Osigwe, commended Tantita Security Services for their efforts and pledged the NBA’s support in holding offenders accountable. Osigwe noted that oil theft has negatively impacted Nigeria’s foreign reserves and hindered the government’s ability to deliver democratic dividends ¹.
The Niger Delta region has historically faced issues with oil pipeline vandalism, which has been linked to various socio-structural dynamics, including corruption, poverty, and historical neglect
The Nigerian government has struggled to address these challenges, with the petroleum sector accounting for approximately 75% of the country’s foreign exchange earnings ².
*Key Points:*
– _Accusations of Sabotage_: Tompolo accuses some Nigerian Navy members of undermining efforts to secure oil pipelines.
– _Security Challenges_: Despite progress in oil production, security challenges persist in the Niger Delta region.
– _Call for Synergy_: Tompolo emphasizes the need for cooperation between the Navy and other security agencies.
– _NBA Support_: The NBA pledges to support Tantita Security Services in holding offenders accountable.
– _Historical Context_: Oil pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta is linked to socio-structural dynamics, including corruption and poverty.
