Stakeholders from pipeline and crude oil host communities in the Niger Delta have urged the Federal Government to expand the security contract of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL).
The stakeholders attribute the recent rise in oil and gas output to PINL’s operations and its collaboration with host communities.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) recently reported that gas production rose to an average of 7.59 billion standard cubic feet in July, alongside a consistent increase in crude oil production. PINL currently provides surveillance for the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), which traverses Rivers, Bayelsa, Imo, and Abia States.
Community leaders commended PINL for its community engagement efforts, including training and scholarships for youths. “Our area is crisscrossed with several oil pipelines, and in the campaign against vandalism, we have agreed to partner with PINL. With more support from the Federal Government, pipeline vandalism will be a thing of the past,” said Emeni Ibe, President General of the Orashi People’s Congress.
Ajenkebiokpomaa Orlu from Soku community also urged the Federal Government, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and PINL to include Soku in the security contract. “Soku hosts the largest gas plant in West Africa, yet we are not part of PINL’s operations. We want inclusion in their scope of work, especially around the Soku oilfield,” he said.
PINL’s General Manager for Community Relations and Stakeholders Engagement, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, explained that despite Soku not being under the current TNP contract, the company has extended coverage there using limited resources. “Soku is a major oil and gas host community, and we have been able to cover them with the support of the people. So far, there has been no incident of vandalism,” Mezeh said.
The company has expanded into gas surveillance in areas such as Soku, Tombia, Rumuji, Ogba, Abha, and Gbarain, engaging local workers to secure facilities. Mezeh added that the company’s interventions have already contributed to improved gas output, as reflected in recent NUPRC reports.
