Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has called for stronger collaboration with host communities to enhance the security of oil and gas pipelines in the Niger Delta.

The company, responsible for safeguarding the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) and the Eastern Gas Network (EGN), said active community participation remains critical to curbing pipeline vandalism and oil theft.

Speaking at the March Stakeholders’ Engagement Meeting with host communities in Bayelsa State, PINL’s General Manager, Community Relations and Stakeholder Engagement, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, said the company’s success in protecting critical infrastructure is largely driven by its partnership with local communities.

According to him, when communities take ownership of oil and gas assets within their environment, they become more committed to protecting them.
“At PINL, we hold firmly to one guiding principle: community partnership is national security. When communities protect infrastructure, they protect livelihoods, national revenue, and the future of our country,” Mezeh said.

He commended stakeholders for their cooperation, noting that improved collaboration has significantly reduced incidents of oil theft and vandalism across operational corridors.

Mezeh also disclosed that scholarship disbursement to students from host communities has commenced, while plans are underway to roll out women empowerment programmes upon completion of enrolment processes.

He reiterated the company’s 2026 priorities, including sustaining zero infractions along the TNP and EGN corridors, expanding empowerment initiatives, strengthening community intelligence systems, and enhancing stakeholder engagement platforms.

However, the PINL official expressed concern over a recent suspected sabotage incident in the Otukpoti axis of Bayelsa State, attributing it to negligence by surveillance personnel. He warned that the company would not tolerate any form of compromise.

“Any act of negligence, compromise, or collusion will not be tolerated. Contractors found wanting will not only lose their contracts but will face full prosecution,” he said.

Also speaking, the Head of Field Operations, Eastern Corridor, Project Monitoring Office of NNPCL, Engr. Akponime Omojevwhe, cautioned surveillance contractors and guards against dereliction of duty.

He noted that incidents of vandalism often occur through collusion or absence of personnel on duty, adding that those responsible would be held accountable.

“We don’t want such incidents to recur. Surveillance guards and supervisors must account for any breach, and those found culpable will be arrested,” he said.

In their remarks, stakeholders commended PINL’s engagement strategy and community-focused initiatives.

Traditional rulers and other stakeholders within the firm’s operational corridors in Bayelsa State also praised the company for effectively carrying host communities along in its operations.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo (Agada IV), Ibenanowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, commended the firm for its sustained efforts in positively transforming host communities.

The monarch expressed appreciation for the company’s initiatives aimed at providing relief and raising awareness, and urged other oil and gas firms to emulate PINL’s model of community engagement.

Also speaking, Chairman of the State chapter of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Comrade David West, and Secretary of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Central Zone, Comrade Azibator Efere, said the firm has demonstrated a clear understanding of the needs and aspirations of its host communities.

They, however, urged the company to settle all outstanding stipends and remuneration owed to beneficiaries, while calling on host communities to reciprocate by maintaining peace and stability in their areas.