By: Amos Odhe.
Host communities of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) have commended Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) for its sustained engagement with stakeholders and its role in curbing oil theft and vandalism across the Niger Delta.
The commendation came during the company’s monthly stakeholders’ meeting in Yenagoa, where community leaders, youth groups, and civil society organizations called on the Federal Government to broaden PINL’s mandate beyond pipeline surveillance to include flow stations and other critical oil and gas assets.
Among the Stakeholders that praised the community engagement were the President of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, Jonathan Lokpobiri, who described PINL’s approach as a model for how homegrown companies can build trust with host communities.
“This company has shown that when you empower a local operator who understands the culture and the needs of the people, problems that once seemed intractable become conversations — and complex issues can be resolved,” Lokpobiri said.
He added that the government should consider expanding the firm’s responsibilities to cover wellheads and other oil infrastructure. “They are doing far more than they are paid for,” he noted. “If this company is empowered further, the Niger Delta can become a hub of peace, investment, and development.”
Other community leaders who echoed the sentiment were Comrade Ebiwari Edmond, Leader of the Coalition of Grassroots Leaders in the Niger Delta, who said constant engagement has reduced insecurity and oil theft. “We were not getting it this right before now,” he observed. “Since PINL came on board, communities are involved in the process, and that is why the pipelines are more secured today.”
Mr. John John Oweifie, another stakeholder, emphasized the need for stronger protection of flow stations, which he described as vulnerable points where multiple pipelines converge. “PINL is already doing more than expected. They should be given the chance to do more,” he urged.
Representing the Niger Delta Buckingham Palace Group, Mike Edokumo highlighted the wider benefits of PINL’s operations. “Through a proactive approach, the company has significantly curbed oil theft, enhanced regional security, and promoted economic prosperity in the Niger Delta,” he said.
Beyond security, community leaders also applauded PINL with it’s provision of employment, scholarships, and empowerment opportunities, particularly for women. Lokpobiri assured the firm of the IYC’s continued partnership, stressing that “collaborating with communities should remain the hallmark of your operations.”
Edmond went further, suggesting the government should grant PINL an operational license in the oil sector, not just surveillance rights. “They have made a mark for themselves,” he said. “Government should encourage them to become a major player.”
Earlier in his address to the stakeholders, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, General Manager, Community Relations and Stakeholders Engagement at PINL, announced that the firm has expanded its operations to include the protection of gas lines and other critical national infrastructure in the Eastern Corridor
His words “With the expanded scope, we have created more surveillance jobs for youths in the region,” Mezeh said. “PINL now provides direct employment to over 35,000 young people across oil-bearing communities in the Niger Delta.”
He added that the expansion aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes job creation and poverty alleviation.
“While the Federal Government has shown commitment by expanding surveillance responsibilities, we urge other tiers of government to complement these efforts by providing more opportunities for our youths,” Mezeh said.
While presenting a monthly scorecard, Mezeh reported that PINL has achieved zero infractions on the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bayelsa during the review period.
His stated Operations in the Eastern Corridor remained uninterrupted, while crude oil losses dropped to their lowest levels in 16 years, according to figures from the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
He further acknowledged attempts by vandals to breach sections of the pipeline in Bonny and Eleme, Rivers State, but said these attempts were foiled through collaboration with security agencies, saying that Suspects from incidents in Ikata and Ogbo are currently facing prosecution by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Mezeh credited the achievements to community cooperation. “Our success is the result of collaboration with host communities and stakeholders. Together, we have demonstrated that security and development go hand in hand.”
As pressure mounts on the Federal Government to broaden PINL’s mandate, stakeholders say the company’s track record of community engagement and its growing role in employment generation offer a blueprint for managing critical national infrastructure.
And for communities in Bayelsa and beyond, the partnership has already brought peace and stability. The next step, they argue, is to give PINL the mandate to extend its success beyond pipelines to the wider oil and gas ecosystem, they urged .
