– Sustains zero pipeline infractions
Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, PINL, has announced plans to empower no fewer than 2,000 women from host communities along the Eastern Corridor of the Trans Niger Pipeline, TNP, through a comprehensive entrepreneurship and financial literacy programme aimed at promoting economic inclusion and sustainable peace in the Niger Delta.
Speaking at the company’s monthly stakeholders’ meeting for host communities in Rivers, Imo, and Abia States, the General Manager, Community Relations and Stakeholders Engagement, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, said the initiative was designed to support women and girls from over 215 host communities.
According to him, the PINL Women Entrepreneurs and Empowerment Initiative has already completed data capturing in Port Harcourt and Yenagoa, while verification is ongoing to finalize the list of beneficiaries.
“Through the PINL Women’s Skills Development and Enterprise Program, 2,000 women are being targeted for empowerment before the year’s end,” Mezeh said.
“This program focuses on small business development, financial literacy, and skills training for women and girls in our host communities.”
He disclosed that PINL’s youth scholarship scheme is also being processed for payment, with beneficiaries expected to receive disbursements this month, adding that new entries from underrepresented communities have been included to ensure equity.
On environmental management, Mezeh said the company is collaborating with relevant government agencies and experts to identify priority areas for remediation and social investment.
“We are working closely with the authorities to ensure that environmental and social impact concerns are addressed in line with global best practices,” he stated.
He further revealed that the company has maintained zero infractions and uninterrupted operations on the TNP in the last month, attributing the milestone to community cooperation and improved security coordination.
“The zero infractions on the Trans Niger Pipeline, a feat that reflects the growing trust between PINL and our host communities—has directly translated to improved national oil and gas output, contributing to the lowest crude losses in over sixteen years,” he said.
Mezeh disclosed that PINL foiled several pipeline vandalism attempts in Bonny, Eteo (Eleme), Ikata, and Ogbo through improved vigilance and community intelligence, while expanding surveillance to include new communities such as Biseni in Bayelsa State.
On security, he noted: “We have strengthened our logistics, communication, and operational synergy to enhance field response and intelligence sharing, ensuring that issues are logged, tracked, and resolved promptly.”
He also announced that all verified pending payments to host community representatives have been fully reconciled and processed, underscoring the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
“PINL is not just a pipeline protection company; we are a development partner, committed to transforming lives, promoting peace, and building enduring prosperity through purposeful collaboration,” Mezeh affirmed.
He commended security agencies and host communities for their continued cooperation and urged youths and women to remain committed to sustaining the peace and stability in the Eastern Corridor for the benefit of all stakeholders.
