…Stakeholders Pledge Support

By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa

Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has announced plans to partner with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to educate youths in the Niger Delta on the dangers of drug abuse, in line with its strategic engagement policy with host communities.

The initiative aims to curb the growing menace of drug abuse and addiction among youths, which has been linked to activities that threaten peace and productivity along the Eastern Corridor.

Dr. Akpos Mezeh, General Manager of Community and Stakeholders Relations at PINL, disclosed the partnership during a stakeholders’ meeting with communities along the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) in Bayelsa State. He explained that the sensitisation program follows requests from community leaders at previous engagements and will focus on drug abuse awareness, security ethics, and promoting responsible behavior among young people.

“We heard the appeal from our royal fathers regarding youth moral reorientation and drug abuse. PINL has initiated discussions to launch a joint awareness campaign with NDLEA to educate youths and strengthen discipline, patriotism, and responsible conduct,” Dr. Mezeh said.

The company has also engaged town criers to disseminate verified information and enhance community-based intelligence across the 215 TNP host communities in Rivers, Bayelsa, Imo, and Abia States. “Two town criers per community, one man and one woman, have been launched to support communication, sensitization, and early-warning intelligence,” he added.

Highlighting PINL’s achievements, Dr. Mezeh reported that from October to November, Bayelsa State recorded no pipeline vandalism in operational areas, while pipeline vandalism attempts along the corridor have dropped by over 87% compared to 2022. He attributed this success to enhanced surveillance operations, community engagement, and cooperation with traditional rulers and contractors.

On corporate social responsibility, PINL has completed data capture and account opening for 2,000 women beneficiaries of its SME support scheme, with disbursement expected by year-end. The scholarship scheme is also 97% completed, with funds scheduled for release before the end of 2025.

Dr. Mezeh reaffirmed the company’s commitment to protecting national assets, maintaining transparency, and expanding youth and women empowerment initiatives. He also called for continued support from chiefs, youth, and women in safeguarding community assets.

Stakeholders lauded the initiative. His Royal Highness, Chief Theophilus Moses, Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) Western Zone, commended PINL’s community development efforts and pledged support in combating oil theft and vandalism.

Similarly, His Majesty, King Bubaraye Dakolo, Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, called for deliberate development in the Niger Delta to ensure lasting peace, praising PINL for its role in protecting the environment and pipelines.

Comrade Robert Igali, Director General of the Bayelsa State Youth Development Centre, encouraged youths to take advantage of empowerment and scholarship opportunities offered by PINL. Engr. Akponine Omojevwe, Head of Field Operations, Eastern Corridor, NNPCL, urged communities to maintain collaboration with PINL to sustain operational success.

Dr. Mezeh concluded by emphasizing PINL’s ongoing dedication to zero pipeline infractions, community engagement, and the promotion of youth and women development as strategic drivers of peace and productivity in the Niger Delta.