Reported by: Ogadinma Prudence Wokoma, NDLink Champion, reporting from Port Harcourt

Port Harcourt/Yenagoa – Stakeholders across the Niger Delta have commended Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) for its effective community engagement and its role in curbing oil theft and vandalism. They are now urging the Federal Government to expand the company’s mandate to cover broader oil and gas assets beyond the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP).

Community Endorsement for a Proven Model

At recent stakeholders’ meetings in Port Harcourt and Yenagoa, community leaders, youth groups, and civil society organizations praised PINL’s partnership approach for promoting peace and stability. The company, which provides surveillance across the TNP spanning Rivers, Bayelsa, Imo, and Abia States, has become a model for locally driven security management.

Jonathan Lokpobiri, President of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, described PINL’s community-centric approach as “a model for how homegrown companies can transform complex challenges into meaningful engagement.” Similarly, Comrade Ebiwari Edmond, Leader of the Coalition of Grassroots Leaders in the Niger Delta, noted that consistent dialogue has significantly reduced insecurity and oil theft, adding that “PINL should be given a wider operational license, not just surveillance rights.”

Other community voices echoed these sentiments. John John Onyifie called for stronger protection of flow stations and wellheads, while Mike Edokumo of the Niger Delta Buckingham Palace Group highlighted the company’s contributions to regional security and economic stability.

Community Benefits and Economic Impact

Stakeholders also credited PINL for providing employment, training, and scholarship opportunities across host communities. Emeni Ibe, President-General of the Orashi People’s Congress, called for more government support to scale up youth-focused initiatives. In Soku community, Ajenkebiokpomaa Orlu urged the Federal Government, NNPCL, and PINL to include the Soku oilfield—home to one of West Africa’s largest gas plants—within the company’s operational scope.

Data Shows Sustained National Gains

The call for expansion follows a report by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) showing consistent growth in national output. Nigeria’s gas production rose to 7.59 billion standard cubic feet per day (bscfd) in July—an 8.6 percent increase from the 2024 average and nearly 10 percent higher than 2023. Crude oil losses have also fallen to their

Dr. Akpos Mezeh, PINL’s General Manager for Community Relations and Stakeholders Engagement, attributed these results to collaboration with host communities. “Our success is the result of trust and partnership,” he said. “Security and development go hand in hand.”

Expanding Scope, Strengthening Impact

Dr. Mezeh confirmed that PINL has expanded its operations to include gas line protection and other critical infrastructure across the Eastern Corridor, covering areas like Soku, Tombia, Rumuji, and Gbarain. This has created over 35,000 direct jobs for youths in oil-bearing communities and aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda for job creation and poverty reduction. As stakeholders continue to push for a formal expansion of PINL’s mandate, many view the company’s record of community trust, security, and youth empowerment as a sustainable model for safeguarding critical national infrastructure and fostering development across the Niger Delta.