The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited Project Monitoring Office (NNPCL-PMO) has urged host communities along the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) to remain alert and guard against the activities of vandals and economic saboteurs. The call came during a stakeholders' meeting convened by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) for pipeline host communities in Bayelsa State.
Zero Infractions in Bayelsa for Six Months
Engr. Akponime Omojewvhe, Head of Field Operations for the Eastern Corridor of NNPCL-PMO, noted that Bayelsa State has recorded no infractions on its pipelines in the last six months. However, he emphasized the need for increased vigilance to maintain this record. Omojewvhe spoke in response to a reported infraction on the TNP in Odau community, Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.
He stressed that protecting the nation's critical assets is a collective responsibility and urged host communities to promptly report any suspicious activities around the pipeline right-of-way to surveillance guards and security agencies. "We don't have any infraction as far as the Bayelsa axis is concerned, but as much as possible, we would still like to crave your indulgence, just like what we are passing through in Odau community. We want to crave your indulgence that at any point in time, you see people that are not from your community in numbers, especially young men. Please don't hesitate to alert PINL or the security people," he appealed.
Community Support Yields Results
Dr. Akpos Mezeh, General Manager of Community and Stakeholders Relations at PINL, stated that the support from host communities has yielded significant results. The TNP has maintained optimal production, helping Nigeria surpass the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) production quota for May 2026. According to figures from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) released on 11 June, national oil output rose by 2.2% in May, from 1.66 million barrels per day in April to about 1.70 million. Crude oil production averaged 1.53 million barrels per day, exceeding the country's OPEC quota of 1.5 million for the first time this year.
Represented by Mr. Ebikeme Andrew, Head of Community Relations at PINL, Mezeh attributed the improvement to stronger operational stability on the TNP, deeper community participation, and a shared resolve among government, security agencies, and host communities to reject crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism. "The Trans Niger Pipeline continues to record remarkable operational stability," he said, adding that more reliable infrastructure was contributing to government revenue, energy security, and investor confidence.
Recent Attack on TNP and Call for Vigilance
Mezeh lamented the recent attack on the TNP by suspected armed men on 15 June 2026 around the Odau axis, Zone 8, in Abua/Odua Local Government Area of Rivers State. He warned that such actions have far-reaching consequences, including environmental risks such as pollution and ecosystem degradation, while also threatening the livelihoods of host communities whose economic activities depend on a safe and healthy environment.
PINL called on all stakeholders—community leaders, youths, contractors, surveillance personnel, and security agencies—to remain vigilant and continue working together to protect all vital national assets.
Stakeholder Proposes 'Check the Checker' Principle
Dr. Jonjon Onyifie, a stakeholder in Yenagoa, called for the introduction of a "check the checker" principle among security agents and surveillance guards securing the pipelines to eliminate the chances of insider conspiracy. He regretted the damage to the lines in Odau community but assured that Bayelsa communities would remain vigilant and ensure that nobody tampers with the lines.
