‘He put Nigeria on path of growth: Tompolo lauds Mele Kyari on 60th birthday

The Chairman of Tantita Security Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), Government Ekpemupolo, well known as Tompolo, has congratulated the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, on his 60th birthday.

Tompolo, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Dr Paul Bebenimibo, on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, noted that Kyari has “remarkably transformed NNPCL to the acknowledgement and admiration of the doubting Thomases”.

The Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation lauded Kyari for his patriotic and nationalistic zeal, stating that “Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari in a sustained stride has succeeded in putting Nigeria on the path of sustainable growth and development in tandem with the development blueprints and economic recovery plans of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as carefully enunciated in the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

The Ijaw leader recalled that the then Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) was in comatose before Kyari was drafted in on a rescue mission.

He added that the success stories recorded by the company under his supervision had received widespread accolades from all relevant stakeholders.

Tompolo commended Kyari for ensuring that two of the nation’s refineries in Warri and Port-Harcourt were brought back to life.

“This revival is expected to enhance Nigeria’s energy security and reduce reliance on imported refined products, marking a significant step in the country’s refining sector transformation,” Tompolo said.

Kyari: I grew from Almajiri school to become NNPCL boss

Tompolo also lauded the “dexterity, focus, commitment, and encouragement of Mele Kyari in the battle to rescue the nation’s economic mainstay from the grip of the saboteurs.”

He added: “When the production of crude oil was threatened, you responded with unwavering resolve and developed right security architecture, which culminated in the involvement of non-state actors, including Tantita, in the task of policing oil pipelines and tackling crude oil theft and establishment of the state-of-art command and control centre.

“These bold collaborative efforts curbed crude oil theft and sabotage.

“It’s to your credit that you evolved, and restructured the dysfunctional NNPCL to a profit-making model, using sanity and efficiency as the watchwords towards steady increase and unimaginable quantum leap in the production of crude oil from the abysmal 600,000ppd to 1.8mbpd.

“The pointers that the crude oil production is itching towards 2mbpd is the hallmark of your innovative driven-culture.

“Sir, we celebrate and owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and your esteemed self, a load of gratitude for the production level we attained today.”

He, therefore, wished Kyari “a long life in sustained robust health in the task of nation building”, adding: “As we pray the Almighty Allah to continue to grant you sound health, wisdom and strength in the task of nation building, Tantita seizes this medium to renew its loyalty and commitment to the onerous tasks of sustaining the milestones being recorded under your watch.

The Star