By Our Reporter
Chief (Dr.) Government Ekpemupolo, better known as Tompolo, Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), has sent heartfelt congratulations to Mallam Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), as he celebrates his 60th birthday.
In a statement released on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo, Tompolo commended Kyari for his transformative leadership, which has significantly reshaped NNPCL and earned the admiration of critics.
As the Ibe-Ebidouwei of the Ijaw Nation, Tompolo praised Kyari’s dedication and his alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He said, “Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari’s relentless efforts have positioned Nigeria on the path to sustainable growth, aligned with President Tinubu’s development and economic recovery strategies.”
Tompolo reflected on the challenges faced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) before Kyari’s leadership, noting that the progress made under Kyari has gained national recognition. He highlighted Kyari’s success in revitalizing key refineries, including the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries, which together will add a total refining capacity of 117,000 barrels per day (bpd).
“The Port Harcourt refinery resumed production on November 26, 2024, following extensive repairs, and currently operates at 70% capacity, producing 42,000 barrels per day. The Warri refinery, which restarted operations on December 30, 2024, is operating at 60% capacity, producing 75,000 barrels per day. This revival is crucial for Nigeria’s energy security and reducing dependence on imported refined products,” Tompolo noted.
Tompolo, whose company plays a key role in curbing crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, also applauded Kyari for his strategic efforts in securing Nigeria’s oil pipelines. He stated, “When crude oil production was threatened, you acted decisively, developing an effective security framework that included the involvement of non-state actors like Tantita to protect the pipelines and combat