Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited has rolled out what it describes as the largest Christmas corporate social responsibility programme in the Niger Delta, delivering free medical services and palliatives to more than 800 residents across 60 host communities of the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bayelsa State.
The beneficiaries were drawn from Southern Ijaw, Ogbia and Yenagoa local government areas, with the outreach held in Yenagoa, the state capital. The initiative is part of PINL’s community engagement strategy as the private security firm charged with protecting the Eastern Corridor of the Trans Niger Pipeline.
Speaking during the distribution, the company’s General Manager for Community Relations and Stakeholder Engagement, Dr Akpos Mezeh, said the programme was designed to appreciate host communities for their cooperation and for sustaining zero pipeline infractions in Bayelsa State over the past year.
Mezeh said the intervention was also aimed at easing the impact of prevailing economic hardship while addressing pressing healthcare needs in flood-prone communities.
He described the absence of pipeline infractions in Bayelsa over the last year as a major achievement, crediting the commitment of host communities in the fight against pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.
“There is no better way to appreciate our chief partners than to return to the communities that have shown dedication and vigilance in protecting critical national assets,” he said.
According to him, healthcare and basic welfare support were identified as priority needs, especially in areas affected by recurrent flooding. He urged youths in the host communities to sustain peace and vigilance, noting that stable pipeline operations would support the Federal Government’s oil production targets for 2026.
Mezeh also disclosed that the Christmas CSR programme would be extended to all 216 communities within PINL’s operational footprint across Rivers, Bayelsa, Imo and Abia states.
Providing details of the medical outreach, Head of the PINL Medical Team, Dr Sokaribo Oweredaba, said over 800 residents received basic healthcare services, including eye examinations, blood sugar tests, treatment of common ailments, distribution of eyeglasses and referrals for further care.
She noted that bringing medical services closer to the people during a difficult economic period made a tangible difference and encouraged residents to fully utilise the opportunity.
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Speaking on behalf of the beneficiary communities, Chairman of the Southern Ijaw Council of Chiefs, HRH Chief Darious Job, praised PINL for its timely intervention and sustained engagement with host communities.
He assured the company of continued cooperation in safeguarding the pipeline, adding that the communities remained committed to maintaining peace around the infrastructure.
According to PINL, the outreach will continue in Ohaji Egbema, Emohua and Tai local government areas, before concluding on December 24 at St Paul’s Primary School.
