…Reports Zero Pipeline Vandalism

By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa

Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has launched a N2 billion scholarship scheme targeting 1,500 undergraduate and postgraduate students from host communities along the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) in Bayelsa, Rivers, Abia and Imo states.

The company, which provides security for the Eastern Corridor of the TNP and the Eastern Gas Network (EGN), announced the initiative during its monthly stakeholders’ meeting in Yenagoa.

Speaking at the event, PINL’s General Manager, Community and Government Relations, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, said the scheme forms part of the company’s broader social investment programme for host communities.

He disclosed that 600 students in Bayelsa State have already benefited from the initiative, receiving grants ranging from N500,000 to N1 million to support their education. He also announced the commencement of a women’s empowerment grant.

“Empowered communities are more likely to support and protect critical infrastructure,” Mezeh said, noting that the scholarship programme reflects the company’s commitment to education and human capital development.

Also speaking, the Head of Field Operations, Eastern Corridor, Project Monitoring Office of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr. Akponime Omojevwe, commended the collaboration between PINL and host communities in Bayelsa.

He described the relationship as strong and urged stakeholders to sustain the progress made in safeguarding oil infrastructure.

Omojevwe also called for continued efforts to curb pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering activities, stressing the importance of community support in maintaining operational stability.

Beneficiaries of the scholarship expressed appreciation for the support, noting that it would ease financial pressures and allow them to focus on their studies.

A civil engineering student of Niger Delta University, Canus Samuel, said the assistance would help him concentrate on his academic goals, while another beneficiary, a postgraduate student, described the scholarship as a significant boost to students with limited financial resources.

Stakeholders at the meeting also reaffirmed their commitment to protecting pipeline infrastructure, with the company reporting zero incidents of vandalism along its operational corridor.