By Akpos Oghenetega,
Senior Policy Adviser to the Delta State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, has credited the engagement of Tantita Security Services Limited with restoring peace in the Niger Delta, curbing crude oil theft and significantly boosting Nigeria's economy through increased oil production and revenue.
Speaking during an appearance on Beyond the Headlines on TVC, Solomon said President Bola Tinubu's decision to entrust the surveillance of the nation's critical oil assets to Tantita Security Services Limited, led by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), has yielded remarkable economic and security gains.
According to him, the private security outfit has played a decisive role in safeguarding oil infrastructure, drastically reducing crude oil theft and creating a more secure environment for increased crude production.
"The appointment of Tantita has transformed the security architecture in the Niger Delta. Today, there is peace in the region, oil is flowing unhindered, and government revenues have improved significantly at the federal, state and local government levels," he said.
Solomon described Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, as a patriotic Niger Delta leader whose commitment to the region has translated into measurable national benefits.
He noted that beyond protecting oil installations, Tantita has created employment opportunities for thousands of youths across the Niger Delta, thereby reducing restiveness and strengthening community participation in the protection of national assets.
"There is peace in the region, oil is flowing properly, and thousands of young people have been meaningfully engaged. The President's confidence in Tompolo is also a demonstration of trust in the people of the Niger Delta," Solomon stated.
The former Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly also commended President Tinubu's administration for implementing policies that have positively impacted the Niger Delta and the Ijaw nation, citing the legal backing granted to the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, and the establishment of an oil and gas medical facility in Benikrukru as landmark interventions.
On the economy, Solomon defended the Federal Government's ongoing reforms, saying they have expanded fiscal resources available to all three tiers of government while laying a solid foundation for sustainable economic growth.
He acknowledged that the reforms require patience but insisted they are necessary to secure Nigeria's long-term economic future.
"Nigeria is too important for policy inconsistency or trial and error. These reforms are designed to secure long-term stability rather than short-term applause. The ultimate beneficiaries are the Nigerian people, and it is important to sustain the reforms to consolidate the gains already being recorded," he said.
Solomon cautioned against calls to reverse key economic policies, particularly the removal of the fuel subsidy, warning that doing so could undermine the progress already achieved and derail the country's economic recovery.
He stressed that sustained reforms, improved security of critical national assets and prudent economic management remain essential to driving growth, increasing public revenue and accelerating national development.
