Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Stakeholders in the Niger Delta have commended Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, PINL, for its strategic role in securing the Trans Niger Pipeline, TNP across over 250 communities in the region, citing the company’s collaborative approach with host communities and security agencies as a major success factor in the fight against oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ appraisal meeting held in Port Harcourt, the Community Relations Consultant of PINL, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, said the essence of the gathering was to reflect on the journey so far and strategize for future success.
“The essence of today’s meeting is for us to appraise our journey so far. We all started the journey together, and it’s only proper that we come together from time to time to assess whether we are making progress or not.
“PINL’s mandate to protect the Trans Niger Pipeline has been achieved through engagements with the host communities. This collaborative approach has not only led to stronger relations but also forged a united front against pipeline vandalism.”
Mezeh outlined PINL’s achievements, including social investments based on needs assessments, environmental restoration, and improved crude oil production.
“We have achieved near-zero infractions on the Trans Niger Pipeline. This has boosted investor confidence in our economy and led to increased national revenue,” he said.
He also highlighted factors driving the company’s success, including timely salary payments to surveillance guards, commitment to community welfare, and prioritization of workers’ safety.
“We are passionate about the safety of workers and the people living in our host communities,” he added.
However, Mezeh noted that challenges remain, particularly in the area of prosecuting arrested criminals and community leadership tussles.
“One of our challenges has to do with the prosecution of arrested criminals. Also, leadership tussles in some communities affect progress. I want to appeal to our community leaders not to see the struggle for positions as a do-or-die affair. We also need to address stakeholder and community connivance in pipeline damage.”
Traditional leaders, civil society groups, and government representatives took turns to commend PINL and raise critical issues.
His Royal Majesty, King Philip Osaro Obelle, the King of Eleme, praised the company’s engagement strategy, saying “PINL, you’re doing something unique through frequent communication. When you keep people in the dark, they speculate negatively. I must commend you for this interaction with stakeholders.”
He, however, raised an environmental concern: “What if the earth begins to quake in the Niger Delta when oil and gas companies are gone? The vacuum that is left in the ground after oil is being drilled, are they filling it back?”
Also speaking, Kennedy Tonjo-West, President of the Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta, MOSIEND commended PINL over what he described as “doing a wonderful job in protecting the Trans Niger Pipeline across 250 communities in the Niger Delta.”
A representative from the Office of the National Security Adviser, Mr Young Harry Amachree, stressed the national implications of vandalism: “We must join hands to move this country forward. Vandalism affects all of us because it affects the nation’s economy. We commend PINL for working 24/7 to protect the pipeline.”
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to continue fostering partnerships aimed at sustaining peace and development in oil-producing communities.
