HOSTCOM Hails Tantita for Boosting Nigeria’s Oil Production

The Host Communities Producing Oil, Gas, and Pipeline Impacted States Youth Council of Nigeria (HOSTCOMYCN) has praised President Bola Tinubu, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), and Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, CEO of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), for their role in increasing Nigeria’s oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day as of November 2024.

At a press conference in Abuja, Comrade Emmanuel Pathfinder, president of HOSTCOMYCN, noted the significant contributions of these leaders in boosting the country’s oil output. He also stated the importance of the Council’s formation, which aims to promote the welfare of youth in oil-producing regions and ensure a fair distribution of benefits from the nation’s oil wealth.

“The formation of HOSTCOMYCN is a critical step towards changing the narrative of oil-producing communities and empowering youth in these regions,” said Pathfinder. “We are committed to supporting the full implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to ensure that communities benefit equitably from the resources extracted from their lands.”

The Council also lauded the re-awarding of the pipeline surveillance contract to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited. The company, led by Tompolo, has been credited with reducing oil theft and pipeline vandalism, which has contributed to the rise in oil production. Nigeria’s daily oil output, which stood at 900,000 barrels in 2022, has now reached 1.8 million barrels and is projected to hit 2 million barrels by the end of 2024.

“The efforts of Tantita Security Services, led by Engr. Mathew Tonlagha, Engr. Keston Pondi, and Sir Godfrey Tare Pond, have been instrumental in securing Nigeria’s oil assets and boosting production,” Pathfinder added.

The youth council expressed optimism that Nigeria’s oil production will continue to grow, with projections suggesting that output could surpass 2.5 million barrels per day in early 2025.

The Council’s leaders also reiterated their commitment to working with both the government and industry stakeholders to ensure that oil-producing communities see tangible benefits from the industry, particularly in terms of development and youth empowerment.