Host communities along the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) corridor in Obio/Akpor, Emohua and Ikwerre Local Government Areas of Rivers State have commended Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) for its Christmas palliative distribution and medical outreach programme.

The commendation was given during the distribution exercise, which benefited residents of more than 35 communities across the three local government areas. The outreach, held at the Emohua Council Secretariat, featured the distribution of food items as well as the provision of free medical services to residents.

Community leaders described PINL’s intervention as exceptional, noting that it is uncommon for companies operating in the area to engage host communities with such consistency and measurable impact.

Speaking on behalf of the communities, the Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman of Ibaa Community, Chief Solomon Azunda Wejinya, praised PINL for its sustained engagement beyond seasonal gestures. He noted that the company has consistently supported youth and women empowerment initiatives, as well as scholarship programmes for indigenes.

“We want to thank this company. They have been a pleasant surprise to us,” Chief Wejinya said. “Beyond the palliatives, they hold regular stakeholder meetings, empower our women and support our youths through scholarships. Their operations have been transparent, and that has built trust.”

He added that improved community engagement of this nature would significantly reduce conflicts between host communities and oil companies operating in the area.

“If this approach had been adopted earlier, there would be far fewer disputes between communities and oil companies operating in this area,” he said.

Chief Wejinya further assured PINL of the communities’ continued partnership in safeguarding the Trans Niger Pipeline.

“We are on your side. The communities in Emohua are vigilant, and we are committed to protecting the facilities on our land. We do not anticipate any vandalism,” he added.

Earlier, the General Manager, Community Relations and Stakeholders Engagement of PINL, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, said the initiative was a show of appreciation to host communities for their cooperation in ensuring the safety and uninterrupted operation of the pipeline.

“We are grateful for the role these communities play in keeping our pipelines safe,” Dr. Mezeh said. “There is no better way to say thank you than to give back in this way. Beyond food items, we have also brought medical services to support the health and wellbeing of the people.”

He expressed appreciation to the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, other council officials and PINL’s partners, Learn and Leadwise Resources, for their collaboration in delivering the outreach.

Dr. Mezeh also appealed to youths across the host communities to sustain their cooperation with PINL in protecting critical infrastructure.

“We must maintain this momentum and continue to ensure increased production for the benefit of the country and our communities. Pipeline vandalism has serious environmental consequences, and we urge everyone to help sustain zero infractions along the Eastern Corridor,” he said.