…As FG Vows Not to Spare Economic Saboteurs
By Barikui Felix
As part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, the management of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has approved 646 scholarships and additional support packages for 215 communities along the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP).
The announcement was made by PINL’s Community Relations Executive, Tarilah Alamieyeseigha, during the company’s monthly stakeholders’ meeting held in Port Harcourt, involving representatives from Rivers, Abia, and Imo states. The meeting was convened to review the company’s operations on the TNP.
Alamieyeseigha highlighted strategic partnerships currently in place to strengthen community relations, enhance local security, and empower women.
“I bring good news from PINL. Management has approved scholarships for three persons per community, bringing the total to 645 beneficiaries, and this takes immediate effect,” he said. “Also, management has partnered with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to build a facility that will support investigations and prosecutions related to activities on the TNP. In addition, a skill acquisition programme targeted at women is underway.”
He credited improved oil production to collaborative efforts with host communities and called for sustained synergy.
“I thank you for your collaboration in boosting oil production in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Your efforts have contributed to economic growth in the nation,” he added.
The Director of Energy Security at the Office of the National Security Adviser, Ojukaye Flag-Amachree, warned against illegal bunkering, stressing that anyone found guilty would face prosecution and imprisonment.
Represented by Young Harry Amachree, Flag-Amachree revealed that over 100 individuals had already been prosecuted, regardless of their social or professional standing.
“We want to plead with you to talk to our brothers. We all know those involved in these acts. Convince them to stop, because business is no longer as usual. Over 100 persons have been prosecuted already—no one is above the law,” he warned.
Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, through his Special Assistant on Host Communities, Julius Eddie, commended PINL for its consistent engagement with host communities and for discouraging youths from engaging in illegal bunkering.
“I want to encourage you. What you are doing for the host communities and for Nigeria is a win for all. Because of your solutions, illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta, popularly known as ‘kpofire,’ has reduced significantly.
“Due to these efforts, the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, was recently recognized among influential leaders in policy and leadership by ThisDay Newspaper and Arise TV,” he stated.
Eddie urged continued advocacy against pipeline tampering, citing its environmental and economic consequences, especially for farming and fishing communities.
Meanwhile, the Head of Field Operations for the Eastern Corridor, Project Monitoring Office at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr. Akponine Omojevwe, cautioned PINL subcontractors against employing individuals without proper background checks.
He emphasized the importance of synergy between subcontractors and PINL to uphold the company’s performance rating and maintain a zero-tolerance stance on the TNP.
“The challenge we still face is connivance. I urge PINL subcontractors to be thorough in carrying out their duties. If you’re hiring from the communities, conduct proper due diligence to avoid liabilities,” he advised.
The forum provided an opportunity for stakeholders to voice their concerns and commend PINL’s management for its ongoing engagement with host communities. Participants also made recommendations to further strengthen community relations and improve company operations.
