Improved Pipeline Security Pushes Nigeria’s Oil Production Above OPEC Quota – PINL

Nigeria’s recent rise in crude oil production is being linked to improved pipeline security, stronger community engagement and a decline in oil theft, according to Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL).

The company made this known on Friday during a stakeholders’ engagement forum, in Yenogoa where  community leaders, security agencies, traditional rulers, government representatives and industry stakeholders reviewed developments in the oil and gas sector and efforts to protect critical national infrastructure.

Speaking at the event, the general manager, Community and Stakeholders Relations of PINL, Dr Akpos Mezeh, said recent figures released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) showed that Nigeria’s oil production rose from 1.66 million barrels per day in April to about 1.70 million barrels per day in May 2026.

According to him, crude oil production averaged 1.53 million barrels per day during the month, exceeding Nigeria’s 1.5 million barrels per day production quota allocated by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) for the first time in 2026.

He noted that the achievement was significant because it represented the highest crude oil production level recorded in the last 15 months and reinforced Nigeria’s position as Africa’s leading oil producer.

“These achievements did not occur by accident. They are direct outcomes of improved pipeline security, enhanced stakeholder engagement, stronger community participation, and the collective determination of government, security agencies, host communities, and industry operators to reject crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal refining activities,” Mezeh said.

He added that the Trans-Niger Pipeline had continued to record operational stability, contributing to increased government revenue, improved energy security and growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

“We are particularly pleased to report that the Trans-Niger Pipeline continues to record remarkable operational stability. The increasing reliability of our production infrastructure, coupled with improved security across operational corridors, is contributing significantly to national economic growth, increased government revenue, enhanced energy security, and greater investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector,” he stated.

The PINL official stressed that pipeline protection could not be achieved through security operations alone, noting that local communities remain central to the success recorded so far.

“Our experience over the years has taught us that sustainable security cannot be achieved through force alone. True security is built on trust. It is sustained through dialogue. It thrives on inclusion. And it flourishes when communities are treated as partners rather than spectators,” he said.

Despite the gains, Mezeh expressed concern over a recent attack on the Trans-Niger Pipeline by armed persons on June 15, 2026, around the Odau axis in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.

He described attacks on oil infrastructure as a threat not only to national revenue but also to the environment and the livelihoods of people living in host communities.

“We wish to emphasize that attacks on critical national infrastructure have far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate damage caused. Such acts pose serious environmental risks, including pollution and ecosystem degradation, while also threatening the livelihoods of host communities whose economic activities depend on a safe and healthy environment,” he said.

He also called on youths, community leaders, contractors, surveillance personnel and security agencies to remain vigilant and continue working together to protect pipelines and other strategic assets.

Beyond security, he said it was investing in community development through scholarships, women empowerment programmes and youth capacity-building initiatives.

Mezeh disclosed that all outstanding scholarship grants and empowerment payments promised during the company’s previous stakeholder meeting had been paid to beneficiaries.

“All beneficiaries have been paid as promised in our last stakeholder meeting held in this hall on the 13th May, 2026. And women empowerment programme has continued to positively impact beneficiaries across operational areas.”

He added: “Also, all outstanding scholarship grants have been paid and our students were here to express their gratitude to Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited. This scholarship support initiative is not only helping young people pursue their educational aspirations but it has taken off a great burden from our parents.”