By: Felix Ikpotor
Operations along the Eastern corridor of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) and the Eastern Gas Network ran largely without interruption over the past month, with the Emohua zone recording no case of infraction or vandalism during the period under review.
The record was disclosed at the August 2026 Stakeholders Engagement Forum in Port Harcourt, convened by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), the integrated pipeline infrastructure company responsible for the Eastern corridor of the TNP.
Dr. Akpos Mezeh, General Manager, Community and Stakeholder Relations at PINL, said isolated cases of sabotage, attempted vandalism and equipment failure occurred during the period, but that rapid response teams restored affected facilities while security agencies arrested suspects linked to some incidents.
Engr. Akponime Omojevwhe, Head of Field Operations, Eastern Corridor, at the NNPC Limited Project Monitoring Office, confirmed the Emohua record and commended the zone. He appealed to host communities to sustain the partnership, noting that dependable national infrastructure translates directly into national income.
The forum followed the signing by ECOWAS Heads of State of the Intergovernmental Agreement for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a proposed 6,900-kilometre line linking Nigeria to Morocco through 13 West African coastal countries. NNPC Limited reported a ₦535 billion profit after tax in June 2026 and has secured more than US$20 billion in gas sale and purchase agreements over the past year, covering 1.29 billion standard cubic feet per day for long-term LNG feed gas and a further 750 million standard cubic feet per day for domestic industrial supply. The Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben and Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano pipelines are nearing completion, and the ANOH Gas Processing Plant has been commissioned.
Dr. Mezeh said investment on that scale depends on lines that stay in service, and that collaboration with host communities, traditional rulers and security agencies has been one of the most critical factors in the corridor’s stability.
His Majesty, Ohna Seargent Awuse, Paramount Ruler of Emohua Kingdom, said the company’s engagement model had changed the terms of operation in the sector.
”Before now, we only hear stories of vandalism. But you have ensured safety of those pipelines,” he said.
PINL announced that its scholarship scheme for students from host communities will run annually for the duration of its Federal Government contract, alongside expanded youth and women empowerment, entrepreneurship and skills acquisition programmes.
