A former member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Ingo Iwowari, has commended Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) for its proactive community engagement efforts, describing the approach as a “magic wand” capable of drastically reducing youth restiveness and conflict in the Niger Delta.
Speaking exclusively to The Trumpet during a stakeholders’ engagement event organized by PINL in Port Harcourt on Thursday, the ex-lawmaker emphasized that a lack of communication is often the root cause of unrest in oil-producing communities. She said that miscommunication and neglect by companies have historically triggered protests, pipeline vandalism, and other forms of agitation, particularly among youth who feel excluded from developmental discussions.
“In any area of life where there is no communication, war is inevitable. Everyone begins to act on assumptions. On behalf of myself and the women here, because we mothers bear the brunt when things go wrong, I want to sincerely commend PINL for creating an open line of communication,” Iwowari stated.
She noted that whenever crises erupt, it is the women who suffer the most. From dealing with the aftermath of pipeline vandalism to watching their sons and husbands face violence or imprisonment, the community bears a heavy burden. She praised PINL for involving stakeholders in meaningful dialogue and for taking the time to explain their operations and expectations clearly to host communities.
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“I want to commend this company again. They are setting a standard others need to follow. PINL is not the only company operating pipelines in our region, but where are the others? If more companies took the time to bring stakeholders together like this, restiveness would reduce drastically. Communities would understand what’s due to them, and companies would have clearer expectations. Everyone wins,” she explained.
The former lawmaker urged PINL to take its advocacy further by encouraging other companies operating in the region to adopt similar communication strategies. She said it was time for other firms to understand the power of engagement and transparency, especially in a region plagued by environmental degradation, poverty, and tension.
“As you go, please encourage your sister companies. Teach them communication. Our people are suffering. Our youths are dying. Our land is polluted daily. Let other companies learn from you so that peace and progress can return to our land,” she implored PINL.
The remarks come at a time when tensions remain high in many parts of the Niger Delta, where residents continue to demand accountability, inclusion, and development from companies extracting resources from their lands. With PINL’s approach gaining recognition, it could serve as a model for fostering peace and stability across the oil-rich but volatile region.
