…As PINL Deepens Work Scope
By Barikui Felix
Stakeholders from communities hosting the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) have called on the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to prioritise the welfare of host communities in order to guarantee the continued safety and security of pipeline infrastructure.
The demand was made during a monthly engagement meeting organised by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) for communities along the Eastern Corridor, comprising Rivers, Imo, and Abia States.
Participants at the meeting criticised the government and oil multinationals for focusing more on pipeline protection while neglecting the poor living conditions of residents in host communities. They also decried the negative impacts of oil exploration activities on their health and environment, with international oil companies (IOCs) accused of polluting the land without providing any remedial solutions.
Despite these grievances, the stakeholders commended PINL for its effective surveillance and consistent engagement with the communities. They, however, urged the NNPCL to extend its attention beyond infrastructure security to ensuring the protection of lives and property in the region.
Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Eastern Zone, Prince Datolu Sokubo, commended PINL’s approach, which he said fosters a sense of ownership, partnership, and inclusiveness. He argued that oil theft would significantly reduce if the needs of the people were adequately addressed, urging oil companies to focus on both economic gains and human development.
The King of Bangha Kingdom and Chairman of the Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, Mene Suanu Timothy Baridam, also blamed the worsening environmental degradation on the activities of IOCs and complicity by some community members. He said the resulting hunger and loss of fertile land have become a burden on the people.
Ada Ekpeye-Logbo, Dr Patricia Ogbonnaya, pledged the support of Ekpeye communities in ending illegal oil bunkering but expressed concern over the IOCs’ failure to tackle the health implications of their activities. She urged PINL to prevail on the oil companies to end gas flaring and provide necessary health and environmental interventions.
Meanwhile, PINL has announced an expansion of its mandate beyond pipeline surveillance to include the protection of gas infrastructure and all national assets within the NNPCL-designated Eastern Corridor. This follows the company’s reported success in securing the TNP and achieving near-zero infractions.
General Manager, Community Relations and Stakeholders Engagement at PINL, Dr Akpos Mezeh, disclosed this development during the stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt. He said the company’s effectiveness in pipeline surveillance was made possible through community collaboration, timely salary payments, quick conflict resolution, and strong local engagement.
Mezeh highlighted that the company had recorded significant progress in reducing pipeline infractions, which has contributed to increased oil production and wider economic, social, and environmental benefits. He, however, noted challenges such as gaps in intelligence sharing, security threats to surveillance personnel, leadership conflicts in host communities, and stakeholder collusion.
He reaffirmed PINL’s commitment to the sustainable development of host communities in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government and called on all partners to strengthen their support for the company’s expanded mandate.
