Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd (PINL), a leading indigenous surveillance company operating in the Niger Delta, has reaffirmed its commitment to host communities, highlighting its achievements and ongoing projects aimed at improving local livelihoods.
At a stakeholders’ meeting held at the prestigious Golden Tulip Resort in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the company’s Director of Community Relations, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, expressed deep appreciation for the unwavering support from host communities. He acknowledged their 100% cooperation across PINL’s operational bases in Ogbia, Yenagoa, and Southern Ijaw local government areas.
Dr. Mezeh emphasized that the gathering was designed to review PINL’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and gather feedback to enhance its community engagement efforts. He noted that PINL has played a pivotal role in stabilizing oil operations by protecting facilities, thereby increasing crude oil output for the federal government.
He further detailed the company’s commitment to empowering host communities through employment opportunities, monthly stipends to community leaders, and effective dispute resolution between local communities and oil companies. According to him, these interventions have significantly reduced oil production delays and fostered harmonious relationships.
Recounting PINL’s humanitarian efforts, Dr. Mezeh highlighted the company’s support during the 2022 flood crisis, when it provided palliatives to affected communities. Looking ahead, he announced that in the coming months, PINL would deploy a medical team for outreach programs targeting underprivileged residents. Additionally, the company is rolling out essential infrastructure projects, including the provision of potable water, solar-powered street lights, and school renovations in select host communities.
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“As part of our long-term community development strategy, we will embark on skill acquisition programs, scholarship initiatives, and other incentives based on the specific needs of our host communities,” he stated.
Prominent traditional rulers and stakeholders at the event lauded PINL’s contributions. HRM King Joshua Igbugbugburu, the Ebenanaowei of Bomo Clan, and His Eminence, Obanobhan of Ogbia Kingdom, King Owaba Dumaro, commended the company for fostering dialogue and urged local youths to safeguard oil facilities in their domains. King Dumaro, however, lamented the lack of commensurate development in the Niger Delta despite decades of oil exploration.
Other dignitaries, including Dr. T.K.O. Ogoriba, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) President Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri, Ijaw National Congress (INC) Vice President Alabo Nengi James, MOSIEND President Ambassador West, and Hon. Frank Otele, Special Adviser to the Governor on Oil and Gas, echoed similar sentiments. They praised PINL’s efforts while urging the company to establish a complaints desk and strengthen its engagement with host communities.
In his closing remarks, PINL’s Managing Director, Mr. Seleke Alamieyeseigha, assured stakeholders that the company remains committed to continuous improvement in its CSR initiatives. He affirmed that all contributions and suggestions from the meeting would be carefully reviewed to enhance the company’s impact on its host communities.