Again, PINL calls for sustained cooperation to protect national infrastructure

Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has recorded zero infractions in its operational areas in the last two months, due to improved collaboration among host communities, surveillance personnel, security agencies and industry operators.

This was disclosed by PINL’s General Manager, Community and Government Relations, Dr Akpos Mezeh, at the October stakeholders’ meeting with oil and gas host communities, held at the Banquet Hall, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

During the meeting, Dr Mezeh called for sustained cooperation to protect infrastructure, maintain peace and promote development in the Niger Delta.

According to him, infrastructure can only deliver value when protected, while sustainable production and development depend on peaceful communities and trust among industry operators, government and host communities.

He noted that the oil and gas industry was experiencing renewed growth, saying that increased production and investment should be supported by effective pipeline security, timely intelligence sharing and constructive community engagement.

Highlighting PINL’s achievements, Mezeh stated that the company’s surveillance operations had provided employment for more than 35,000 youths, while its scholarship programme had awarded over ₦2 billion to more than 1,500 undergraduate and postgraduate students.

He stressed that the company had continued to maintain relationships with 215 host communities, empowered over 2,000 women on the Trans Niger Pipeline corridor and sustained its annual Christmas palliative programmes for communities in its areas of operation.

He emphasised the importance of environmental responsibility, youth and women’s participation, and the early reporting of suspicious activities to prevent vandalism, crude oil theft and disruptions to production.

On concerns surrounding the company’s operations, Mezeh stated that PINL welcomed legitimate scrutiny and accountability but cautioned against circulating unverified allegations that could undermine public trust.

He urged community leaders, traditional rulers, youths, women and the media to raise concerns through appropriate channels and ensure that public discussions were based on verified facts.

Also, the traditional ruler of Ekpetiama Kingdom, King Bubaraye Dakolo Agada IV, called for greater attention to the environmental consequences of oil and gas operations, even as stakeholders worked to prevent pipeline vandalism.

Dakolo said increased oil and gas production meant higher revenue for Nigeria, but warned that oil spills could devastate communities for decades.

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He urged residents to discourage vandalism and other activities that could cause spills in their creeks and communities.

The monarch called on oil and gas operators to address environmental risks associated with ageing pipelines, abandoned wellheads and continued gas flaring.

He urged PINL to draw the attention of relevant authorities and operators to these hazards and encourage proactive measures to prevent future incidents.

Others urged host communities to refrain from activities that could destroy the environment through vandalism and other illegal acts. They also urged PINL to continue supporting host communities through empowerment initiatives.

Dakolo stressed that pipeline protection should go beyond preventing sabotage to include addressing infrastructure-related environmental threats and safeguarding host communities.

Both speakers called for stronger collaboration among host communities, government, industry operators and security agencies to sustain peaceful operations, protect infrastructure, and promote environmental safety and development across the Niger Delta.