Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Host communities across Abia, Bayelsa, Imo, and Rivers States have urged the Presidency and relevant federal agencies to not only renew the surveillance contract of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, PINL, but to expand its operational scope across the Eastern Corridor, citing exceptional performance in crude oil protection and community development.
Briefing newsmen in Port Harcourt, the ‘Pipeline Host Ethnic Nationality Leaders of the Eastern Corridor’ declared that PINL has significantly curbed oil theft and sabotage along the Trans Niger Pipeline, TNP, while also fostering trust and stability among local communities.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Famous Daunemigha said, “At the start of PINL’s operation, crude oil delivery via the TNP was at zero percent due to rampant oil theft and illegal refining. With a mix of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, and in collaboration with Government Security Agencies, PINL tackled these issues head-on.
“The delivery of crude oil through the TNP which was at zero percent and with the coming on board of PINL, today crude oil throughput on the TNP has risen to nearly 100%, with near-zero infractions, a historic achievement that deserves national recognition.”
He noted that PINL’s success is rooted in its grassroots engagement, working closely with paramount rulers, community development committees, youth, and women leaders. These local representatives receive monthly stipends and help ensure surveillance efforts are community-owned and effective.
Daunemigha said communities across the Ijaw, Ekpeye, Ikwerre, Eleme, Ogoni, Andoni, Bonny, Egbema, Ukwa, and Oguta ethnic nationalities are pleased with the transparency and impact of PINL’s operations.
On corporate social responsibility, he added that PINL’s support has been far-reaching.
“In 2024 alone, PINL donated hundreds of millions of naira worth of relief materials to victims of the 2022 and 2023 flood disasters in Bayelsa and Rivers States. They also distributed Christmas food packages that aided thousands of families during a time of severe hardship.
“Additionally, many individuals have benefited from skills acquisition programs, educational scholarships, and other community support initiatives. Through its inclusive and proactive approach, PINL has played a major role in resolving long-standing leadership and communal conflicts, allowing previously excluded communities to become integrated into its operational framework.”
The group called on the federal government to consolidate these gains by strengthening the PINL model of pipeline surveillance and expanding its responsibilities beyond the current scope.
Also speaking, Ambassador Victor Udoh, Convener of the Niger Delta Progressive Alliance, called for a national policy that would institutionalize the role of effective private pipeline security firms like PINL.
He said, “The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria states that the Armed Forces shall protect critical infrastructure. It was not efficient, Civil Defence created for the same purpose, it was not efficient, and that is why government generated a policy that private efficient company, like PINL, should be supportive and partner with the armed forces, and we have seen as a people that this partnership has worked effectively.”
“We call on the government under the strategic leadership of President Bola Tinubu, that if need be, let there be a direct decision that until Pipeline Infrastructure discontinue its efficiency and commitment to the people of the Niger Delta within Eastern corridor, there should be a directive to the structure of government in the NNDC and of the National Security Adviser to not just retain PINL, but [they] should be given more responsibilities because we want to see a Niger Delta where everything is working,” he concluded.
