…as INC, others pledge partnership

By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa

Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has pledged to champion advocacy for increased development by government and international oil companies (IOCs) in host communities along the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP).

The company, which provides pipeline security along the Eastern Corridor of the TNP, said the provision of development projects in host communities would significantly reduce the temptation of pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.

PINL’s General Manager, Community Relations and Stakeholder Engagement, Dr Akpos Mezeh, made the disclosure during the company’s monthly stakeholders’ meeting with TNP host communities in Bayelsa State. He explained that the decision followed numerous requests from the communities for development projects that are beyond the company’s operational scope.

According to him, requests for roads, schools, healthcare facilities and other social amenities exceed the capacity of PINL, hence the resolve to take up advocacy on behalf of the communities.

Dr Mezeh noted that the monthly stakeholders’ meeting has become a critical interface between host communities, government agencies and IOCs.

“We have become one of the closest interfaces with the communities, and many of them may not understand that we do not have the capacity to provide most of the things they ask for.

“However, we have created a platform where grievances can be aired. We hear complaints about the lack of basic amenities, and in 2026, we will advocate for more government attention to our communities,” he said.

He added that the meetings also provide an opportunity to review progress made in combating pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft, while appreciating key stakeholders—particularly community leaders—whose support, he said, has helped sustain the nation’s economic stability.

Highlighting the company’s achievements in the outgoing year, Dr Mezeh listed the expansion of security operations to cover oil and gas infrastructure in proximity to the TNP, improved community and stakeholder inclusion, human capacity development with a focus on women and students, and strengthened grassroots communication through the introduction of the Town Crier Initiative (TCI).

Other achievements, he said, include sustained stakeholder engagement, zero incidents of illegal bunkering, and the building of greater trust between PINL and host communities.

Calling for increased collaboration as the company looks ahead to 2026, Dr Mezeh urged stakeholders to remain committed to protecting national assets.

“Let us continue to protect national assets, empower our people, and strengthen the prosperity of our region and nation. As we step into 2026, may our collaboration deepen, our unity be strengthened, and our shared commitment to peace and progress remain unshakable,” he appealed.

He also announced the distribution of Christmas palliatives to the 215 TNP host communities.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Central Zone, Chief Moses Theophilus, commended PINL for its impact in the region, noting that the company’s operations have greatly reduced vandalism, oil theft and environmental pollution.

He pledged the support of the INC in the sustained fight against illegal bunkering and sabotage.

“Pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft were major problems in our region, causing environmental degradation, economic losses and social unrest.

“I commend PINL for its efforts in reducing pollution, protecting aquatic life and promoting flora and fauna growth. These efforts demonstrate the company’s commitment to corporate governance and the wellbeing of our people,” Theophilus said.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the INC Central Zone to work with PINL and other stakeholders to ensure zero infractions along the Eastern Corridor in 2026.

Another stakeholder, Dr Omonineke Kemelayefagha, praised PINL’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, particularly programmes targeting women and youth scholarships, saying they would significantly improve local living standards.

Earlier, a representative of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr Akponime Omojevwhe, said the collaboration between host communities and PINL has ensured unhindered production on the TNP.

Omojevwhe, who is Head of Field Operations, Eastern Corridor, Project Monitoring Office, NNPCL, disclosed that the company’s crude oil production projection for 2026 stands at 2.06 million barrels per day (mbpd), against a budget benchmark of 1.84 mbpd.

“With the kind of synergy we are seeing in Bayelsa and other PINL-coordinated areas, this target is achievable and realistic if everyone works together,” he said, while appreciating traditional rulers, youth leaders, women leaders and community development committees for their support.

The highlight of the meeting was the presentation of awards to traditional rulers of the host communities in recognition of their roles in maintaining peace within their domains.