By: Felix Ikpotor
Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has called for stronger collaboration with host communities to enhance the security of oil and gas pipelines in the Niger Delta.
The company, which is responsible for safeguarding the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) and the Eastern Gas Network (EGN), said active community participation remains key to reducing pipeline vandalism and oil theft.
Speaking at the March Stakeholders’ Engagement Meeting with host communities in Bayelsa State, PINL’s General Manager, Community Relations and Stakeholders Engagement, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, said the company’s success in protecting critical infrastructure is largely due to its partnership with local communities.
According to him, when communities take ownership of oil and gas assets within their environment, they are more committed to protecting them.
“At PINL, we hold firmly to one guiding principle: community partnership is national security. When communities protect infrastructure, they protect livelihoods, national revenue, and the future of our country,” Mezeh said.
He commended stakeholders for their cooperation, noting that improved collaboration has significantly curtailed incidents of oil theft and vandalism across operational corridors.
Mezeh also disclosed that disbursement of scholarships to students from host communities has commenced, while plans are underway to roll out women empowerment programmes upon completion of enrolment processes.
The company reiterated its 2026 priorities, including sustaining zero infractions along the TNP and EGN corridors, expanding empowerment initiatives, strengthening community intelligence systems, and enhancing stakeholder engagement platforms.
However, the PINL official expressed concern over a recent case of suspected sabotage in the Otukpoti axis of Bayelsa State, attributing it to negligence by surveillance personnel. He warned that the company would not tolerate any form of compromise.
“Any act of negligence, compromise, or collusion will not be tolerated. Contractors found wanting will not only lose their contracts but will face full prosecution,” he said.
Also speaking, the Head of Field Operations, Eastern Corridor, Project Monitoring Office of NNPCL, Engr. Akponime Omojevwhe, cautioned surveillance contractors and guards against dereliction of duty.
He said incidents of vandalism often occur either through collusion or absence of personnel on duty, adding that those responsible would be held accountable.
“We don’t want such incidents to recur. Surveillance guards and supervisors must account for any breach, and those found culpable will be arrested,” he said.
In their remarks, stakeholders commended PINL’s engagement strategy and community-focused initiatives.
Vice President 2 of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Alabo Nengi James, praised the company’s empowerment programmes and pledged continued support in protecting pipeline infrastructure.
Similarly, Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Bubaraye Dakolo, said PINL’s approach of engaging communities has helped reduce vandalism in the region.
He called for greater Federal Government support to strengthen the company’s operations.
The Secretary-General, Central Zone of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Comrade Efere Azibantor, also lauded the company’s skill acquisition and scholarship programmes, noting that they are helping to make youths in the region more self-reliant.
