A traditional ruler in Rivers State has commended Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) for its pipeline surveillance efforts, saying improved security has helped residents of Ekpeye Kingdom return to farming and fishing.
Kevin Anugwo, the Eze Ekpeye Logbo, spoke at a stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt, where he recalled how crude oil pollution had disrupted livelihoods in the area.
“Before you came on board, we were unable to fish in our waters because the crude oil had taken over the place,” he said.
The meeting brought together community leaders and other stakeholders to discuss pipeline security and cooperation with host communities along the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP).
PINL’s General Manager, Community and Government Relations, Akpos Mezeh, said protecting critical oil infrastructure required collaboration among pipeline operators, host communities and government agencies.
He disclosed that the company had employed more than 35,000 youths in surveillance operations, provided scholarships worth over ₦2 billion to more than 1,500 students, and supported over 2,000 women through empowerment programmes.
Mezeh said PINL’s records showed that crude delivery to the Bonny Terminal had increased from about three per cent when its operations began in August 2022 to approximately 98 per cent in September 2026.
However, the figures represent the company’s account of its performance and would require independent records to establish the precise extent of its contribution.
Stakeholders at the meeting called for sustained dialogue between PINL, traditional rulers, community representatives and government institutions to address concerns and protect oil and gas infrastructure.
They also stressed the importance of transparency, accountability and reliable information in maintaining trust between operators and host communities.
