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The Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has stated that the continued protection of oil pipelines is the major element to guarantee Nigeria’s energy future.
The General Manager, Community and Stakeholders Relations, PINL, Dr Akpos Mezeh, who disclosed this at the monthly stakeholders’ engagement forum of the company with host communities over the weekend in Yenagoa, said vigilance should be maintained to ensure economic saboteurs are kept at bay.
According to him, NNPCL’s recent strategic agreements, including a 20-year Gas Sale and
Aggregation Agreement with Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited; a 15-year Gas Supply
Agreement with UTM FLNG, and network agreements expected to inject up to 800 million
standard cubic feet of gas per day into Nigeria’s domestic gas transportation network can only deliver the required benefits if supporting infrastructure is protected.
Mezeh said PINL has succeeded in ensuring protection of pipelines, adding, however, that lack of cooperation from host communities on surveillance could derail Nigeria’s energy future.
‘’However, these investments can only deliver their intended benefits when the supporting
infrastructure remains protected from vandalism, crude oil theft and sabotage.
This is why the work we are doing together through community partnership has become even more significant.
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‘’While we celebrate these achievements, we must remain vigilant. During the past month, uninterrupted operations were largely maintained across the Trans
Niger Pipeline and the Eastern Gas Network corridor through effective collaboration with
security agencies, contractors and host communities.
‘’However, incidents of sabotage, attempted vandalism, and equipment failures were recorded in some operational areas. We are pleased to report that prompt interventions led to the repair of affected facilities, while suspects linked to incidents were arrested and investigations remain ongoing. These incidents reinforce the need for stronger surveillance, timely intelligence sharing and sustained collaboration among all stakeholders. Every timely report and every act of vigilance protect lives, preserve our environment and safeguard Nigeria’s economy.
Mezeh, while commending traditional rulers, security agencies and community leaders for their cooperation, which has continued to strengthen PINL operations, assured stakeholders that the company would continue to strengthen its community-based surveillance, expand youth and women empowerment initiatives, sustain scholarship programmes and promote peaceful conflict resolution and environmental sustainability.
He pointed out that following the success of PINL’s maiden scholarship programme, the Board and Management have approved it as a yearly intervention for students of our host communities throughout the duration of PINL’s contract with the Federal Government.
He noted that the gesture reflects our enduring commitment to education, youth development and sustainable community growth.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council and Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo, has implored the Federal Government to increase the funding for PINL to enable the company to strengthen its operation in protecting oil pipelines in the Niger Delta region.
The Monarch argued that increased funding for pipeline protection would ensure more resource allocation to host communities to address socio-economic factors.
