A traditional ruler in Bayelsa State, HRH David Oseni of the Elebele community, has issued a stern warning to youths against oil pipeline vandalism. He cautioned that the resulting environmental damage poses severe long-term threats to local livelihoods, farming, and aquatic life. This warning was given during a bi-monthly stakeholders' forum with host communities convened by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited.
Stakeholders from oil and gas host communities in Bayelsa State, including the Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide, have called for increased engagement between the Federal Government and host communities. They urged the Federal Government to adopt the PINL model of regular engagement with host communities to ensure maximum security of pipelines and increased oil output for the country.
The Second National Deputy President of the Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide, Famous Daunemigha, commended PINL for maintaining regular meetings with host communities along the Trans Niger Pipeline. He noted that host communities were critical stakeholders and could not be ignored in the oil and gas value chain. Daunemigha stated that since PINL began operations in the Eastern Corridor, it had contributed greatly to the success recorded in securing the lines.
According to Daunemigha, the state was recording zero infractions on the lines because the communities had taken ownership of the process through PINL's regular engagement with host communities. He noted that the Nigerian government had seen that when the people that own the pipeline are part of the process of securing it, it's easier for them to achieve peace.
The General Manager, Community and Government Relations of PINL, Dr Akpos Mezeh, informed stakeholders that the state had recorded a long period of zero infractions on the TNP, particularly since August. He reminded stakeholders of their critical role in helping the Federal Government achieve its 2027–2030 benchmark for oil and gas production.
Dr Mezeh stressed that for the Federal Government's ambitions to become sustainable realities, the security and integrity of pipelines and other critical infrastructure would be fundamental. He noted that host communities were partners in protecting the infrastructure that supports the national economy.
A lawmaker representing Ekeremor Constituency II, Hon. Living Meeting, commended the operational strategy of PINL, stating that it had benefited both the Federal Government and host communities. He called on stakeholders in the host communities to sustain their support for PINL, noting that the company's efforts had protected the infrastructure and contained the devastation that comes with equipment failure.
Key points
- The Bayelsa monarch's warning to youths against pipeline vandalism highlights the need for collaboration between the government and host communities to ensure pipeline security.
- The Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide has commended PINL's model of regular engagement with host communities, citing its success in securing pipelines and increasing oil output.
- The Federal Government's 2027–2030 benchmark for oil and gas production is dependent on the security and integrity of pipelines and other critical infrastructure.
