The Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), has tied Nigeria’s recent increase in crude oil production and the ability to produce above OPEC production quota to the improvement in the safety and security of pipelines, including the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP).
At the stakeholders’ meeting held in Port Harcourt where representatives from host communities in Rivers, Imo and Abia states were present, the General Manager for Community and Stakeholders Relation of PINL, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, attributed the improvement in operations on the pipeline network to increased surveillance and cooperation.
According to Dr. Mezeh, the increased security system has led to higher production figures and made Nigeria the continent’s number one oil producing country with record production of 3.6 million barrels per day, the first time in July 2025.
He added that export routes like Bonny and Forcados Terminals have done extremely well while offshore sites have maintained their performance.
Dr. Mezeh reiterated that the achievements have been as a result of concerted efforts to combat crude theft, vandalism and refining of crude.
He said that the consistent stability of the Trans Niger Pipeline shows increasing community involvement and the collective desire to safeguard crucial oil facilities, which will help in ensuring revenue generation, energy security, and investments.
On the other hand, while commending the host communities for their cooperation, Mezeh said that community ownership, transparency, and benefit are the cornerstones of the strategy of PINL.
However, he expressed his concern over an attack on the pipeline on June 15, 2026, in the Odau axis of Abua/Odual Local Government Area, adding that the attack has been reported to relevant security authorities for urgent action.
According to him, attacks on oil facilities can be extremely hazardous for the environment and local communities.
Moreover, the Chairman of South-South Monarchs Forum, King Sergeant Awuse, has stressed the need for more support from the national security organs to maintain the achievements because any reduction in oil production would affect governance.
Likewise, the King of Eleme Kingdom, Dr. Philip Obele Osaro, stated that PINL’s efforts have succeeded in reducing youth restiveness, and an increase in funds can facilitate empowerment programmes even further.
Further, Akponime Omojewvhe, representing the NNPC Project Monitoring Office, called on the community members to report any suspicious activities and stated that intelligence is always important to protect the pipeline corridor.
