Stakeholders from oil and gas host communities in Bayelsa State, including the Ijaw National Congress (IYC) Worldwide, have called for increased engagement between the Federal Government and the communities. This call aims to ensure maximum security of the pipelines and increased output for the country. The stakeholders made this appeal during a bi-monthly forum with host communities convened by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL).
The stakeholders commended PINL for its regular interface with them and solicited improved corporate social responsibility for the host communities. Chief Akppos Meze, General Manager, Community and Government Relations of PINL, informed that the state recorded a long period of zero infractions on the Trans Niger pipeline (TNP). This achievement is attributed to PINL's engagement with host communities.
Comrade Famous Daunemigha, Second National Deputy President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, noted that PINL's regular meetings with host communities along the TNP have contributed greatly to securing the lines. He emphasized that host communities are critical stakeholders and must be involved in the oil and gas value chain. Daunemigha added that the government's engagement with host communities, as seen in PINL's model, can lead to steady oil production.
The IYC leader noted that the state is recording zero infractions on the lines because the people have owned the process courtesy of PINL's regular engagement. He urged the Federal Government to adopt PINL's model, which can lead to increased revenue and trickle down to all Nigerians. HRH David Oseni Oseni of Elebele Community, Bayelsa State, acknowledged PINL's role in safeguarding the environment and warned youths against tampering with oil and gas pipelines.
The monarch emphasized that oil spills have negative impacts on the communities and environment, and that PINL's engagement with host communities has become a game-changer in surveillance activities. Hon. Living Meeting, lawmaker representing Ekeremor Constituency 2, noted that PINL's efforts have benefited the Federal Government and the host communities, particularly in protecting the infrastructure and containing devastation caused by equipment failure.
The lawmaker commended PINL's operational strategy and called on stakeholders to sustain their support for the company. Dr. Akpos Mezeh, General Manager, Community and Government Relations of PINL, reminded stakeholders of their critical role in helping the federal government achieve its 2027-2030 benchmark for oil and gas production. The NNPC Limited has set ambitious production targets, and stakeholders' engagement is crucial to achieving these goals.
The stakeholders' call for increased engagement between the Federal Government and host communities highlights the importance of collaboration in securing pipelines and increasing oil output. The adoption of PINL's model could lead to a steady revenue stream and benefit all Nigerians. Key to this is the involvement of host communities in the oil and gas value chain and the implementation of corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Key points
- Stakeholders urge the Federal Government to engage more with host communities to ensure pipeline security and increased oil output.
- PINL's engagement with host communities has led to zero infractions on the Trans Niger pipeline (TNP) and increased oil production.
- The adoption of PINL's model could lead to a steady revenue stream and benefit all Nigerians.
