Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has restated that the protection of Nigeria’s critical oil and gas infrastructure depends heavily on the unity, vigilance, and cooperation of host communities.
The General Manager, Community and Stakeholders Relations, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, made this known during the November 20 Stakeholders Engagement Meeting held in Port Harcourt. He noted that community collaboration remains central to strengthening security and fostering development across the Niger Delta.
According to him, “When communities unite, security strengthens. When security strengthens, development follows.” He stressed that the Niger Delta hosts strategic national energy assets, making its protection a matter of national importance.
Dr. Mezeh disclosed that PINL has implemented all recommendations from the October meeting, which had over 215 participants, including traditional rulers, youth leaders, and institutional stakeholders. He highlighted notable progress recorded across the company’s operational corridors:
Improved Security on the Eastern Corridor; Pipeline vandalism reduced by over 87% compared to 2022.
Surveillance coverage expanded across facilities near the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP).
Community-based intelligence rose from 10.5% to 68%, reflecting increased trust and cooperation. Women Empowerment Programme, Data capture for more than 2,000 women completed. 100% BVN/NIN verification achieved., beneficiaries now have active bank accounts, with grants set for disbursement before year-end.
Verification of tertiary students is 97% complete. Scholarship payments are expected to begin before the end of the year.
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Biseni community is fully integrated into PINL’s surveillance and intelligence network. More communities under assessment for inclusion, subject to security and technical evaluations.
To strengthen grassroots communication and early-warning systems, PINL introduced town criers—one male and one female per community to support sensitization, verified information sharing, and coordination with contractors.
Looking ahead, PINL plans to push for Federal Government intervention on the Eleme–Onne road, which accounts for over 60% of logistics pressure on its operations. The company will also deepen coordination with security agencies, ONSA, NNPCL, and community partners.
Dr. Mezeh appealed for continued collective responsibility, adding:
“PINL cannot do this alone. But together with our royal fathers, youth leaders, contractors, and intelligence network we will continue to protect Nigeria’s vital oil and gas infrastructure.”
Also speaking, His Majesty, King Noble Friday Uwoh (CSP rtd.), the King of Ancient Ahoada Kingdom, applauded PINL for its professionalism, transparency, and community-driven approach.
He noted that the company’s efforts have significantly reduced oil theft and pipeline breaches, leading to increased crude oil production for the Federal Government.
“PINL’s engagement model has set a new benchmark for community relations and inspired other intervention agencies. This is the direction Nigeria needs,” the monarch said.
King Uwoh, a retired Chief Superintendent of Police, stressed the importance of intelligence gathering, peacebuilding, and collaboration with security actors. He pledged the Ahoada Kingdom’s continued support to strengthen pipeline security and drive community development.
A leadership and organizational development expert, Dr. Eleogu Lucky Nkem, in his presentation on the application of Leadership 2.0 as a modern leadership model for organizations, particularly multinationals, international oil companies (IOCs), and pipeline operators, commended PINL’s adoption of the Leadership 2.0 model
He noted that PINL’s operational framework reflects the core elements of Leadership 2.0 collaboration, synergy, adaptability, and shared vision, adding that the company’s consistent community engagement and empowerment programmes have significantly strengthened trust and security across host communities.
“Considering the models applied by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited over the past months, one can attest that their approach has been highly collaborative and synergistic. Their engagement process has been impactful and has earned sincere appreciation from communities,” Dr. Nkem stated
According to him, PINL’s feedback systems, youth and women empowerment initiatives, and ongoing support for community stakeholders demonstrate how inclusive leadership can foster peace and stability in regions hosting critical national assets.
He emphasized that effective pipeline security requires the involvement of those closest to the infrastructure, stressing that host communities remain the most important stakeholders.
“The testimonies from community leaders and the continuous positive feedback reflect the value of PINL’s engagement network. Their method of involving host communities in security architecture is not only strategic but crucial for safeguarding pipelines,” he added.
Dr. Nkem further explained that the application of Leadership 2.0 within PINL has transformed the company’s corporate service delivery ecosystem in the Niger Delta. He said the lessons from PINL’s model, anchored on empathy, adaptability, and shared responsibilit,y offer replicable solutions for other operators in Nigeria’s extractive industry.
He urged the company to continue leveraging intellectual support from professionals to strengthen its operations and create lasting benefits for both the organisation and its stakeholders.
Both PINL and stakeholders reiterated their commitment to creating a secure, peaceful, and development-driven Niger Delta.
The meeting ended with a renewed call for sustained cooperation to protect national assets and enhance community well-being across the region.
