By Peter Omopo
Yenagoa, 16th August 2025 – The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has called on host communities and stakeholders in the Niger Delta to support Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), the company tasked with securing the Eastern Corridor, including the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP).
Speaking at PINL’s August stakeholders’ meeting on Friday in Yenagoa, INC President Professor Benjamin Okaba praised the company for maintaining a zero-infraction record on the TNP over the past month and for its consistent engagement with local communities.
“PINL has shown they are one of us. They are not outsiders. The fact that they have recorded zero infractions shows they are doing well. They may not be perfect, but there are clear signals they are ready to do better and carry everybody along. I urge our youths to stay patient, avoid vandalism, and take advantage of the livelihood packages provided,” Okaba said.
Bayelsa State Police Commissioner Mr. Francis Idu, represented by the Assistant Police Commissioner, highlighted the use of drone technology to monitor pipeline security.
“We have set up aerial surveillance using drone technology, which can also be used in tracking pipeline vandalism,” he said.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Youths in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Tari Porri, reminded stakeholders of the historical role of the Ijaw struggle in establishing PINL. He encouraged youths to engage constructively with companies and government.
“It is the struggle of the Ijaw people that led to the engagement of firms like PINL as surveillance contractors protecting oil and gas infrastructure. If oil companies in the region had been as responsive as PINL, there would have been no need for agitation leading to vandalism,” Porri stated.
Former lawmaker Mrs. Ingo Iwowari commended PINL for including women in its programmes, emphasizing the importance of empowerment in ensuring pipeline security.
“Pipeline vandalism is more than a security challenge; it’s a community crisis. Ignoring women is ignoring half the solution. By empowering women, we can protect our pipelines, environment, and people. Inclusion brings lasting peace and faster recovery,” she said.
Engr. Akponine Omojevwe, Head of Field Operations for the Eastern Corridor under the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Project Monitoring Office, credited the zero-infraction record to strong collaboration between PINL and host communities.
“For the last month, there were no infractions, which makes our work easier. This is the result of fantastic collaboration between the company and the communities, and I appreciate our royal fathers for their role in this,” Omojevwe said.
Dr. Akpos Mezeh, General Manager of Community and Stakeholders Relations at PINL, confirmed that the zero-infraction record on the TNP has contributed to higher national oil revenue.
“The Federal Inland Revenue Service recently confirmed Nigeria achieved its 2025 oil revenue benchmark for the first time in years, attributing part of the success to surveillance companies like PINL. We remain committed to sustainable energy security in the Niger Delta and call on all stakeholders to work with us to protect these critical national assets,” Mezeh said.
He also highlighted PINL’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, which include scholarships across 215 host communities and training programmes for women, as part of the company’s strategy for security, community engagement, and operational excellence.
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