Royal fathers and stakeholders in the Niger Delta region have called for more support from the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, to address critical development issues in the region.

The royal fathers, under the auspices of Pipeline Host Ethnic Nationality Leaders of the Eastern Corridor, which includes the Ijaw, Ekpeye, Ikwerre, Eleme, Ogoni, Andoni, Bonny, Egbema, Ukwa, Oguta, and others, noted that the improved security for the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) and other oil and gas facilities within the region is appropriate as it has reduced youth restiveness, unemployment, and has promoted peace and stability at the grassroots level.

However, the stakeholders requested that the surveillance of government-critical assets handled by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) should not only be maintained for regional development but also expanded due to its numerous benefits.

Spokesman of the host community leaders, Mr. Famous Daunemigha, on behalf of the leaders, urged the NNPCL on Wednesday in Port Harcourt to assign more responsibilities to the surveillance firm, stating that the delivery of crude oil through the TNP, which was previously at zero per cent, has increased with the participation of PINL.

“Through its inclusive and proactive approach, PINL has played a major role in resolving long-standing leadership and communal conflicts, allowing previously excluded communities to become integrated into its operational framework,” they stated.

“This inclusive policy has unified fragmented communities, bringing peace and enabling shared participation and benefits in PINL’s initiatives.”

The royal fathers noted that the activities of the firm have curtailed pollution and environmental degradation with its rapid response teams and technical capabilities, addressing pipeline damages that would have otherwise caused environmental disasters.