Notable Niger Delta Niger Delta socio-cultural group, the Orashi National Congress, ONC, has passed a vote of confidence on Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, PINL, for its community-driven model in safeguarding oil and gas infrastructure across the Niger Delta.
The position was made known by the President General of ONC, Ambassador Comrade Emeni Ibe, JP, AP, following the Congress’ meeting in Port Harcourt.
Amb. Ibe said PINL has emerged as a key player in protecting critical national assets while investing directly in host communities along the Trans Niger Pipeline and the Eastern Gas Network.
He commended the company for adopting a community-based approach to pipeline surveillance since it commenced operations, noting that sustainable protection of national assets can only work with active participation from host communities.
“This strategy has produced stronger collaboration between PINL, traditional institutions, youth groups, women organisations and other stakeholders across Rivers, Bayelsa, Imo and Abia States where the surveillance company operates,” the ONC President General stated.
According to Amb. Ibe, one of the major gains recorded by PINL is the significant reduction in pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, illegal refining and environmental degradation.
“Through continuous stakeholder engagement and intelligence gathering, PINL has helped to maintain uninterrupted crude oil transportation in several operational areas,” he said.
He added that this has contributed to increased oil production and improved government revenue.
The ONC leader also lauded PINL’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, programmes aimed at improving livelihoods in host communities.
He listed food distribution, medical outreaches, scholarship awards, and women and youth empowerment as some of the far-reaching initiatives by the company.
“PINL’s scholarship programme has provided hundreds of educational opportunities to students from host communities,” Amb. Ibe said.
“The company has expanded empowerment programmes targeted at women and youths, equipping beneficiaries with entrepreneurial and vocational skills for sustainable livelihoods.”
He disclosed that over 3,000 women drawn from various host communities have received grants to support their small-scale businesses.
The President General further noted that PINL has engaged thousands of youths from host communities in surveillance and other roles, a development he said has helped reduce unemployment and foster a sense of ownership among community members.
Amb. Ibe observed that PINL’s integrated model of infrastructure protection, stakeholder engagement and community development remains a practical example of how security and social investment can work together to drive national economic growth.
“Through its sustained commitment to host communities, the company is helping to build a safer, more prosperous, and more inclusive Niger Delta region,” he stated.
On behalf of the Orashi National Congress, Ambassador Emeni Ibe passed a vote of confidence on Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited for its performance and partnership with host communities.