Traditional rulers in the Niger Delta region have urged for stronger collaboration between monarchs, host communities, and pipeline surveillance contractors to enhance the protection of oil and gas facilities. This call was made during a bi-monthly stakeholders' meeting convened by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt. The meeting aimed to discuss the protection of pipelines and other oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta.
The Eze Eberi-Ugo Omuma, King Onyekachi Amaonwu, emphasized the importance of collaboration between traditional rulers, host communities, and PINL to achieve the company's mandate of protecting pipelines and other oil and gas infrastructure. He urged the company to disregard negative criticisms and remain focused on its goals. PINL is responsible for the surveillance of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) and the Eastern Gas Network (EGN).
The Eze Ekpeye-Logbo, King Kevin Anugwo, praised PINL for its operations in Ekpeye communities, stating that the company's efforts have enabled residents to return to farming and fishing. He noted that agricultural activities and fishing had previously been hampered by oil pollution and pipeline vandalism but have improved since PINL's involvement. Anugwo credited PINL with helping to eliminate these challenges.
King Kevin Anugwo further highlighted the positive impact of PINL's engagement with youths and provision of employment opportunities, which has reduced insecurity in the communities. He stated that the company's efforts have enabled residents to enjoy peace and that youths have dropped their guns and returned to productive activities.
The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and stakeholders of oil and gas host communities in the region have expressed satisfaction with PINL's operations. The NNPCL's Head, Field Operations, Eastern Corridor of Project Monitoring Office (NNPCL-PMO), Omojevwhe Akponime, stated that the company's daily review of activities shows that the lines in their areas of operations are showing green, indicating maximum production.
Legborsi Yamaabana, Spokesperson of the Niger Delta Ethnic Youth Leaders Forum, expressed appreciation for the Federal Government's renewal of PINL's operational license. He assured the government that the people of Niger Delta, including youths, monarchs, and community leaders, stand in support of PINL and its operations.
The stakeholders' endorsement of PINL's operations comes amid a campaign of calumny targeted at the pipeline surveillance contract from some uninformed sources in the region. However, the traditional rulers and community leaders have adopted PINL as their own and expressed confidence in the company's ability to protect oil and gas facilities in the Niger Delta.
Key points
- Traditional rulers in Niger Delta call for collaboration to protect oil and gas facilities.
- PINL's operations have improved security and enabled residents to return to farming and fishing.
- NNPCL and stakeholders express satisfaction with PINL's operations and its impact on oil production.
