INC, others pledge partnership

From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa

Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), has promised to take up the responsibility of advocating more development from the government and international oil companies operating in the host communities of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP).

PINL, the private security company (PSC) in charge of securing pipelines along the Eastern Corridor of the TNP, said siting development projects in host communities would help reduce the temptations of vandalism and oil theft by the community people.

Dr Akpos Mezeh, General Manager, Community Relations and Stakeholder Engagement, PINL, who disclosed its monthly stakeholders meeting with TNP host communities in Bayelsa State, said the decision followed several requests by the communities, which are beyond their scope.

Dr Mezeh noted that several requests by the communities, such as the provision of roads, schools, healthcare, and other social amenities, are beyond their capacity, hence the decision to take up the advocacy for them.

He also said the company’s monthly stakeholders meeting has become the closest interface between the communities, government, and IOCs.

“We have become one of the closest interfaces with the communities, and those communities may not even understand that we don’t have the capacity to provide most of those things they are asking for, but for the fact that we have been able to create that platform to air their grievances. We have complaints of a lack of basic amenities, so in 2026, we’ll advocate more government attention in our communities, “ he stated.

He noted that the meeting affords the company the opportunity to review their progress in the fight against pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft in the region, and also celebrate, fellowship, and appreciate critical stakeholders, especially leaders of host communities, for their support and commitment, which he said have sustained the economic stability of the country.

The PINL official gave a highlight of the company’s achievements in the outgoing year, including the deepening of security, zero illegal bunkering, and building of greater trust between PINL and host communities, among other successes.

Dr Mezeh called for increased collaboration from the host communities, even as they look ahead to 2026 for greater impacts.

“Let us continue to protect national assets, empower our people, and strengthen the prosperity of our region and nation. As we step into 2026, may our collaboration deepen, our unity strengthened, and our shared commitment to peace and progress remain unshakable,” he appealed.

In his remarks, Chairman of Ijaw National Congress (INC) Central Zone, Chief Moses Theophilus, commended the company for its impactful services in the region in the outgoing year, noting that PINL’s services have greatly reduced vandalism, oil theft, and environmental pollution in the area.

He pledged the partnership of INC in the sustained fight against illegal bunkering and sabotage in the region.

“Pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft have been a menace in our region before now, causing immense environmental degradation, economic losses, and social unrest.