By Olusegun Samuel Precious
Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has reaffirmed its commitment to community development and infrastructure protection across the Niger Delta, announcing the approval of its host community scholarship scheme as an annual intervention for the duration of its federal contract.
The disclosure was made on Thursday, August 6, 2026, during the regular PINL Stakeholders Engagement Forum held at The Celeb Event Centre in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Delivering an address on behalf of management, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, General Manager of Community & Stakeholders Relations, emphasized that sustainable energy infrastructure relies heavily on community trust, peaceful co-existence, and mutual cooperation.
Transition to Bi-Monthly Engagements
Addressing traditional rulers, youth representatives, security officials, and government delegates, Dr. Mezeh announced an adjustment to the frequency of the engagement meetings. Moving forward, the stakeholder forum will transition from a monthly gathering to a bi-monthly schedule.
“Following feedback received from stakeholders and a subsequent review by PINL management, the Stakeholders Engagement Forum will now be held once every two months,” Dr. Mezeh stated. “This adjustment is intended to afford us adequate time to implement resolutions, monitor progress, and ensure more productive engagements.”
He assured participants that PINL’s Community Relations teams would remain on the ground continuously to address urgent matters as they arise.
National Energy Context and Gas Expansion
Highlighting the broader economic context, Dr. Mezeh pointed to recent milestones in Nigeria’s energy sector, including the signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement for the 6,900-kilometer African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) by ECOWAS Heads of State in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
He noted that regional and domestic energy initiatives—such as the near-completion of the Obiafu–Obrikom–Oben (OB3) pipeline at 98% and the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) line at 94%—underscore the vital need to safeguard pipeline corridors from vandalism, illegal bunkering, and sabotage.
“World-class energy infrastructure can only thrive where pipelines are secure, communities are peaceful, and stakeholders work together,” he noted, commending NNPC Limited’s financial performance and gas production trajectory despite operational challenges.
Security and Community Collaboration
Reflecting on recent operations along the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) and Eastern Gas Network corridors, PINL reported that operational stability was largely maintained through close collaboration with host communities, contractors, and security agencies.
In addition to expanding community-based surveillance and entrepreneurial support, PINL reiterated its pledge to promote environmental sustainability and peaceful conflict resolution across all operational areas.
“Pipeline security remains a shared responsibility,” Dr. Mezeh concluded. “Together, we can protect our national assets, secure our communities, and leave a lasting legacy of sustainable development for future generations.”
Orashi National Congress Commends PINL on Community Empowerment, Calls for Broader CSR Inclusion
The President General of the Orashi National Congress (ONC), Ambassador Comrade Emeni Ibe, JP, AP, has lauded Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) for its sustained commitment to uplifting host communities across the Niger Delta through targeted development and welfare initiatives.
Ambassador Ibe gave the commendation while speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt following his participation in PINL’s Stakeholders’ Engagement and Empowerment Programme.
Describing PINL’s interventions as people-oriented and deeply impactful, the ethnic youth leader noted that the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy has played a vital role in fostering peace, operational stability, and socio-economic growth in oil-producing areas.
Speaking on behalf of the leadership and members of the ONC, Ambassador Ibe praised the pipeline security firm for its tangible contributions to host communities—specifically highlighting its skills acquisition initiatives, vocational training, educational scholarships, and direct empowerment schemes.
While acknowledging the progress made so far, the ONC President General advocated for expanded inclusion and deeper collaboration in future CSR distribution, ensuring that all constituent communities within the Orashi region fully benefit from the ongoing initiatives.
He reiterated that sustained grassroots engagement and equitable benefit-sharing remain essential to maintaining lasting peace along critical energy corridors across the Niger Delta.
