Host communities of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) in Obio/Akpor, Emohua and Ikwerre Local Government Areas of Rivers State have commended Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) for distributing Christmas palliatives and conducting a medical outreach for residents during the Yuletide.
The commendation was given during the distribution exercise, which benefited no fewer than 35 communities across the three LGAs and was held at the Emohua Council Secretariat.
Community leaders described the gesture as rare, noting that few companies engage host communities in such an inclusive and sustained manner.
Speaking on behalf of the communities, the Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman of Ibaa Community, Chief Solomon Azunda Wejinya, said PINL’s interventions went beyond palliatives to include regular stakeholder engagements, youth and women empowerment programmes, and scholarship schemes.
According to him, if more oil and gas companies related with their host communities in a similar way, disputes and misunderstandings in the sector would be drastically reduced.
“We want to thank this company. They have been a surprise to us. Beyond the palliatives, they have consistently engaged us, empowered our women and youths, and provided scholarship opportunities. Their operations have been very transparent,” Wejinya said.
He assured the company of the communities’ continued partnership in safeguarding the TNP, stressing that residents would remain vigilant to prevent vandalism of pipeline facilities.
Earlier, the General Manager, Community Relations and Stakeholders Engagement of PINL, Dr Akpos Mezeh, said the outreach was a way of appreciating the host communities for their support in ensuring the safety and optimal operation of the pipeline.
“We are here to say thank you for the role you play in keeping our pipelines safe. Beyond food items, we have also brought a medical team to attend to health needs in the communities,” Mezeh said.
He thanked the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Council, other council authorities, and the firm’s partners, Learn and Leadwise Resources, for their collaboration. He also appealed to youths in the host communities to sustain cooperation with PINL to ensure zero infractions along the Eastern Corridor, noting the environmental and economic consequences of pipeline vandalism.
