Pipeline Communities’ Stakeholders Move To Ensure Protection Of Crude Environment
The Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in collaboration with the communities’ stakeholders have made conscious efforts to boost crude oil output in recent times. They have also fought to reduce vandalism of pipelines so as to reduce impacts on the communities.
During a press conference held on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 in Port Harcourt, various community leaders reviewed the operational method of the Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) and its role in the protection of the pipeline in the eastern corridor.
An address by the Pipeline Host Ethnic Nationality Leaders consisting of the Ijaw, Ekpeye, Ikwerre, Eleme, Ogoni, Andoni, Egbema, Ukwa, Oguta, Bayelsa, Imo and Abia States gave their stance on the operations of PINL, asserting that it has birthed stability in the oil region.
A Bayelsa born delegate, Famous Daunemigha, stated that no Niger Deltan should be threatened and nobody should succumb to the voices working against PINL. He said this in reference to threats by some groups loyal to Tantita against the Olu of Warri and PINL.
In an interview session with the National Chairman, Ekpeye Oil and Gas, Dogini Chidi appreciated PINL, stating that since they came on board, there has been calm and that youths are now meaningfully engaged.
“Since they came onboard, the issue of Pipeline sabotage has been brought to the barest minimum. The youths are empowered, the community leaders are also empowered.”
The Ekpeye leader also mentioned that agitations have been made to ensure that the issue with pipeline and theft activities have been brought to its barest minimum, engaging the National Assembly to enact a law to encourage pipeline surveillance which has held sway.
Speaking also, the President of Ogoni Oil and Gas Community Youth Forum, Teddy Gianen, lauded the efforts of PINL in its fight against illegal bunkering and theft, saying that it has brought about peace and stability.
“Everybody knows what we have been passing through concerning Kpofire but since Pipeline Infrastructure came on board, we have been sleeping fine and the Ogoni community has given them maximum support and security to carry out their job.”
The Ogoni leader urged the federal government to support them with facilities to get better result.
“Nobody called us to come, but we see the impact of Pipeline Infrastructure in the economy of Ogoni land. Before now, soldiers frequently raided and arrested people because of illegal bunkering business, but currently, everywhere is calm.”
The host communities, listing 125 communities urged PINL to expand its frontiers to areas of innovation, stakeholders’ involvement and an all-inclusive community development policies to curb pollution and environmental degradation affecting communities.
The leaders also called on the federal government to expand the scope of operations, and not just focus on the upstream business world as there can be progress without the community, thus the duo was walking hand in glove.
