Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, says sustained collaboration between host communities along the Trans Niger Pipeline, TNP, corridor and Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, PINL, is driving rising oil output and boosting national revenue.
The affirmation was made by Engr. Akponime Omojevwhe, Head of Field Operations, Eastern Corridor, Project Monitoring Office, PMO, of NNPCL, at the January stakeholders’ meeting of host communities organised by PINL in Port Harcourt.
According to Omojevwhe, community cooperation has been central to improved crude oil evacuation and the effective securing of the critical TNP asset.
“The message I was sent is to appreciate the stakeholders for your collaboration with PINL, which has shown a significant upshoot in oil production and has yielded revenue generation,” he said.
He urged communities to sustain the momentum in 2026, noting that Nigeria’s oil output ambitions depend heavily on stable pipeline operations.
“I want to emphasise that this year, 2026, we must ensure it is better than 2025 so that our projection of 2.5 million barrels per day can be met,” Omojevwhe added.
Earlier, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, General Manager, Community and Stakeholders Relations at PINL, disclosed that host communities have given renewed assurances to prevent infractions along the TNP corridor, describing community buy-in as a key performance driver.
“In this year 2026, we have gotten renewed commitments from the communities to ensure that there is no infraction on the pipelines,” Mezeh said.
“We are determined to achieve the Federal Government’s target of 2.5 million barrels per day production.”
Mezeh also revealed that PINL plans to play an active mediation role in Ogoniland, aimed at easing tensions and supporting the resumption of oil exploration in the area.
“Reaching the 2.5 million barrels per day target requires that we mediate in areas of conflict in the Niger Delta, and Ogoniland is key,” he stated.
“In 2026, we are determined to strengthen mediation with communities in Ogoniland to ensure the resumption of crude oil production.”
Outlining the company’s 2026 strategy, Mezeh said PINL will prioritise sustaining zero infractions on the TNP, deepening community intelligence, expanding women and youth empowerment programmes, and strengthening collaboration with NNPCL, the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, and security agencies.
Representing ONSA, Mr. Young-Harry Amachree assured communities that their concerns would be addressed, while traditional rulers praised PINL’s engagement model.
The King of Eleme Kingdom, HRM Dr. Philip Osaro Obele, commended the company for inclusive operations and community support.
“They have carried everyone along. The recent distribution of palliatives showed that they recognise the communities and the work assigned to them,” he said.
Similarly, the King of Elele-Alimini Community, Eze Peter Wagbara, said PINL’s approach differs from what he described as divisive practices by other operators.
“So far, I have watched PINL in my domain, and there has not been any division,” he noted.
Youth leaders also pledged continued support, with Engr. Legborsi Yamaabana, spokesperson of the Niger Delta Ethnic Youth Leaders, urging the Federal Government to entrust PINL with greater responsibilities.
“They are part of us. We have adopted them as a vehicle for peace, development and economic growth,” Yamaabana said.
The growing alignment between communities, operators and government agencies is increasingly seen as a critical lever for Nigeria’s drive to restore oil production, secure infrastructure and meet its ambitious 2026 output targets.
