Leaders of host ethnic nationalities in the Eastern corridor of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to renew and expand the contract of an indigenous surveillance firm, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL).
Under the aegis of Pipeline Host Ethnic Nationality Leaders of the Eastern, the stakeholders comprising traditional rulers, youth and women leaders, were drawn from Abia, Bayelsa, Imo and Rivers states.
Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday, Famous Daunemigha, spokesman for the ethnic nationalities, said PINL has proven to be a key partner in implementing Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, especially in host communities of the Eastern corridor and the wider Niger Delta region.
Daunemigha said: “In recognition of a job well done, we call on the Presidency and all relevant federal agencies to not only renew PINL’s contract but also expand its scope of operations.
“PINL has proven itself as a key partner in the actualization of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, especially in the host communities of the Eastern corridor and the wider Niger Delta region.”
He, however, called on the indigenous pipeline surveillance firm to sustain and expand its monthly stakeholder engagements and inclusive community development policies.
The spokesman said: “We urge PINL to sustain and even expand on its innovations, particularly the monthly stakeholder engagements and its inclusive community development policies.”
Daunemigha stated that the impact of the indigenous firm on the host communities in the Eastern corridor has been felt since 2022, when the TNP surveillance contract was awarded to PINL.
He said: “We commend the management and staff of PINL for their technical competence in securing this top grade vital national asset the, TNP and other facilities.
“From the onset of their operations as surveillance contractors in 2022, PINL’s presence and impact have been strongly felt in our communities.
“Beyond direct engagement with community leadership, numerous unemployed youths were provided with jobs in pipeline surveillance roles. This has significantly reduced youth unemployment and enhanced peace and stability at the grassroots level.”
