PINL lauds host communities in Bayelsa for increased

From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa

The Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has stated that increased oil production in April is due to improved protection of oil and gas assets, coupled with stronger collaboration among stakeholders in host communities.

The General Manager, Community Relations and Stakeholders Management, Dr Akpos Mezeh, who stated this during the May stakeholders meeting with host communities in Bayelsa State, noted that the collective efforts of all stakeholders have continued to yield positive fruits across operation corridors.

According to him, the incidence of pipeline vandalism has reduced significantly, while intelligence gathering has improved.

He disclosed that recent reports from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) indicated that Nigeria recorded significant progress in oil and gas assets in March 2026, with NNPCL reporting a profit after tax of approximately ₦ 276 billion, while national crude oil production continued to increase alongside remarkable growth in oil production.

Furthermore, Mezeh revealed that a report from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) on May 12 stated that Nigeria met 99.2 percent of its 1.5 mbpd crude oil quota.

“These figures are not ordinary statistics. They are direct evidence that stability, cooperation, and effective protection of pipeline infrastructure produce measurable economic benefits for our nation and our people.

“Behind every increase in production lies the sacrifice and cooperation of communities, surveillance teams, traditional rulers, security agencies, and other stakeholders who have chosen partnership over conflict and dialogue over disruption.’’

Mezeh, who acknowledged positive comments from traditional rulers, youth leaders, and opinion leaders, added that the firm would continue to improve its scholarship scheme and empowerment programme for women.

While noting that 1,000 persons in Bayelsa State have benefited from its women empowerment, scholarship, and youth support programmes, he allayed concerns over PINL’s commitment to the programmes.

Mezeh pointed out that the women’s empowerment grants approved for beneficiaries in host communities had already been disbursed.