Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) says it has expanded its operations ‘pro bono’ to include all oil and gas facilities in close proximity to the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP).
The company whose primary area of operations is on the Eastern Corridor of the Trans Niger Pipeline said they decided to provide the free services in the interest of national development.
General Manager, Community Relations and Stakeholder Engagement of PINL, Akpos Mezeh, made the disclosure while addressing stakeholders from host communities of the TNP in Bayelsa State.
He called on stakeholders to scale up real time information around these critical assets for optimum protection.
“We wish to restate that PINL has taken on the responsibility of providing security for all oil and gas assets in close proximity to the TNP pro bono even though they are not under its current mandate.
“To this extent, we urge stakeholders to scale up vigilance and real time community intelligence around these assets in the interest of national security,” Mezeh said.
He also disclosed that following from previous meetings, Biseni community has been included in its operations while plans are on to include other communities from Sagbama Local Government Area.
“Acting on recommendations from our last meeting, PINL has granted the inclusion of Biseni and other deserving communities in its surveillance engagements.
“Furthermore, recommendations have been submitted to the appropriate authorities for inclusion of more communities that host critical oil and gas assets in the eastern corridor,” Mezeh stated.
Read also:
- Breaking: NDLM strikes Chevron pipelines in Delta, launches “Operation Chevron Dragnet”
- Group writes Buhari, accuses Navy of alleged complicity in crude oil theft, pipeline vandalization
- Ex-militants renew ultimatum for FG to revoke pipeline contract to non-indigenes
Giving a rundown of its successes for the month under review, the PINL official stated that there was no case of pipeline vandalism in the state and on the entire TNP, attributing the feat to the collaboration between the company, securty agents and host community stakeholders.
He emphasized that there has been sustained oil and gas production in the eastern corridor, increased host community development trust funding and peace in the communities.
President of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba in his speech, thanked PINL for recognising the roles of the host communities and the traditional institution in its operations.
The INC leader appreciated the company for its corporate social responsibility packages for the communities and for the regular stakeholders engagement towards finding solutions to pipeline vandalism in the the area.
On his part, President of Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), Jonathan Lokpobiri, commended PINL for nipping in the bud most of the problems that have bedeviled communities in the region.
He praised the collaboration between the company and security agencies in addressing issues of environmental devastation.
