From Tony John, Port Harcourt
Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) has lauded a surveillance company in the oil and gas industry, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) for engaging its host communities in protecting oil installations.
Director of Energy Security in the Office of the NSA, Ojukaye Flag-Amachree, spoke at a continued stakeholders’ engagement organised by PINL for stakeholders from host communities in Abia, Imo and Rivers States, held in Port Harcourt.
Flag-Amachree commended the firm for not only showing commitment in securing the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP), but also for “impacting immensely on many lives.”
The director, who spoke through Mr. Young Amachree, at the stakeholders meeting, organised to appraise the company’s operations on the TNP, hailed the company for effectively carrying out the mandate given to it by the Federal Government through the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Flag-Amachree explained that the issue of pipeline security should be of utmost concern to everyone, saying all hands must be on deck in securing the nation’s critical assets, stressing that whenever the country’s treasury is affected through vandalism, it affects everybody.
He called for concerted efforts by all communities and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the common goal of achieving zero infractions on the oil pipelines is achieved.
The Director of Energy Security also appealed host communities to give credible information that could lead to the arrest of vandals in the various localities, adding that the government is committed to ensuring security for all citizens.
He expressed: “I want to personally appreciate PINL for the work they are doing. It was a mandate that was given to them by the President to secure the pipelines and with your collaboration, what we are seeing today is impressive.
“This is a meeting of appraisal and I have listened to everyone and everyone is thinking the same as my thought. And I want to say PINL thank you for a job well done.
“When it comes to securing the pipelines, everyone of us must put our hands together to achieve our common goal.”
He further warned that perpetrators of pipeline vandalism will not go unpunished, as the Office of the National Security Adviser has set up an investigation and prosecution team to prosecute vandals.
Flag-Amachree disclosed: “We have prosecuted more than 100 suspects as of today and some are serving prison terms.
“The team is working 24 hours to make sure that those involved in this illegal activity are dealt with according to the law.
“So, I’m giving you the assurance that whatever information you have about these vandals, please, don’t hesitate to call our attention to apprehend them.”
Also speaking, Head of Field Operations, Eastern Corridor, Project Monitoring Office of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Akponine Omojevwe, acknowledged improvements in pipeline protection since PINL took over surveillance.
He called on host communities and subcontractors to enhance collaboration with PINL for maximum results, stressing that pipeline protection requires a collective effort.
Omojevwe remarked: “We appreciate the changes observed so far. Looking back at the records from two years ago, there has been a lot of improvement. PINL has done well, and we urge you to keep up the good work.”
Speaking, His Royal Majesty, Philip Osaro Obelle, the King of Eleme, lauded the company’s engagement strategy.
He appealed: “The oil pollution in Ejama-Ebubu cannot be cleaned up entirely, and the water pollution in Ogale is the worst in the world. There are no roads. I appreciate PINL for engaging with us. But, I urge you to take our concerns to Abuja because they do not understand the suffering we endure as an oil-producing community.”
Also, President of the Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND), Kennedy Tonjo-West, gave kudos to the firm for wonderfully protecting the Trans-Niger Pipeline across 250 communities in the Niger Delta.”
Earlier, the Community Relations Consultant of PINL, Akpos Mezeh, said the essence of the gathering was to reflect on the journey so far and strategize for future success.
Mezeh said: “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.”
On the company’s challenges, Mezeh said: “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.”
Mezeh, however, 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 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.”