Pipeline security has boosted Nigeria’s oil production – PINL

From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa

Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), has disclosed that securing oil pipelines in the Niger Delta Region has boosted oil production, thereby surpassing the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) production quota.

The General Manager, Community and Stakeholders, Dr Apos Mezeh, who disclosed this during the stakeholders meeting with host communities in Bayelsa State, stated that figures from the Nigeria Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) indicated that crude oil production averaged 1.53 million barrels per day, surpassing Nigeria’s OPEC production quota of 1.5 million barrels per day for the first time in 2026.

Dr. Mezeh, while noting that the increased oil production has reinforced Nigeria’s position as Africa’s leading oil exporter, with key production streams, such as the Bonny and Forcados terminals, recording remarkable performance, added that offshore assets have maintained stable contributions to national output.

According to Mezeh, the achievements did not occur by accident but were direct outcomes of improved pipeline security, enhanced stakeholder engagement, stronger community participation, and the collective determination of government, security agencies, host communities, and industry operators to reject crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal refining activities.

“We are particularly pleased to report that the Trans-Niger Pipeline continues to record remarkable operational stability. The increasing reliability of our production infrastructure, coupled with improved security across operational corridors, is contributing significantly to national economic growth, increased government revenue, enhanced energy security, and greater investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

“This success belongs to all of us. It is a testament to what can be achieved when communities, traditional institutions, government agencies, security services, and industry operators work together in pursuit of a common goal. Your vigilance, commitment, and cooperation have made these achievements possible,’’ he added.