Traditional Rulers and Stakeholders Praise PINL's Sustained Community Engagement Efforts
Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has emphasized the critical need for enhanced collaboration with host communities to bolster the security of oil and gas pipelines in the Niger Delta region. The company, which is tasked with safeguarding the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) and the Eastern Gas Network (EGN), asserts that active community involvement is essential to combating pipeline vandalism and oil theft effectively.
Community Partnership as a Cornerstone of National Security
During the March Stakeholders' Engagement Meeting held in Bayelsa State, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, PINL's General Manager for Community Relations and Stakeholder Engagement, highlighted that the company's success in protecting critical infrastructure is largely attributable to its partnerships with local communities. "At PINL, we hold firmly to one guiding principle: community partnership is national security," Mezeh stated. "When communities take ownership of oil and gas assets within their environment, they become more committed to protecting them, thereby safeguarding livelihoods, national revenue, and the future of our country."
Mezeh commended stakeholders for their cooperation, noting that improved collaboration has led to a significant reduction in incidents of oil theft and vandalism across operational corridors. He also announced that scholarship disbursements to students from host communities have commenced, with plans underway to launch women empowerment programs upon completion of enrollment processes.
PINL's 2026 Priorities and Zero-Tolerance Stance on Negligence
The company has outlined its priorities for 2026, which include:
- Sustaining zero infractions along the TNP and EGN corridors
- Expanding empowerment initiatives for host communities
- Strengthening community intelligence systems
- Enhancing stakeholder engagement platforms
However, Mezeh expressed concern over a recent suspected sabotage incident in the Otukpoti axis of Bayelsa State, attributing it to negligence by surveillance personnel. He issued a stern warning: "Any act of negligence, compromise, or collusion will not be tolerated. Contractors found wanting will not only lose their contracts but will face full prosecution."
Support from NNPCL and Traditional Rulers
Engr. Akponime Omojevwhe, Head of Field Operations for the Eastern Corridor at the Project Monitoring Office of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), echoed this sentiment, cautioning surveillance contractors and guards against dereliction of duty. "We don't want such incidents to recur. Surveillance guards and supervisors must account for any breach, and those found culpable will be arrested," he emphasized.
In their remarks, stakeholders lauded PINL's engagement strategy and community-focused initiatives. HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo (Agada IV), Ibenanowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom and Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, praised the firm for its sustained efforts in positively transforming host communities. "We appreciate the company's initiatives aimed at providing relief and raising awareness, and we urge other oil and gas firms to emulate PINL's model of community engagement," the monarch stated.
Call for Reciprocity and Settlement of Outstanding Issues
Comrade David West, Chairman of the Bayelsa State chapter of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), and Comrade Azibator Efere, Secretary of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Central Zone, acknowledged that PINL has demonstrated a clear understanding of the needs and aspirations of its host communities. However, they urged the company to settle all outstanding stipends and remuneration owed to beneficiaries, while calling on host communities to reciprocate by maintaining peace and stability in their areas.
This engagement underscores the growing recognition that collaborative efforts between oil companies and local communities are vital for ensuring the security of critical energy infrastructure and fostering sustainable development in the Niger Delta.
