Oil Theft: PINL Interfaces With Host Communities In Niger Delta

An indigenous multi-billionaire national asset protection company, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in charge of surveillance of the Trans Niger Pipeline, has expressed its determination to ensure a robust and mutual relationship with communities in areas of its operations.

The engagement, which took management of the company to two locations in Rivers and Bayelsa States, created an avenue for Paramount Rulers, Community Development Committees (CDCs) and Youth leaders of the host communities to interface with their own people.

Some of the communities present at the first day of the meeting were from Ogoni axis (B-Dere, Tai) from Obio/Akpor (Rumuokwurusi, Rumukpoku), Emohua axis (Rumuekpe, Ndele, Iba), Ikewerre LGA (Aluu, Omagwa, Isiokpo) Abia state (Owaza community).

A total of 124 communities drawn also from Imo and Bayelsa States were also represented.

Leader of PINL team and General Manager, Community Relations, Akpos Mezeh, said the meetings were part of the company’s regular engagements to get feedback from host communities on the performance and also get their buy-in “so we can improve on our performance.”

He noted that the company in its self-assessment of its relationship with the host communities came to the conclusion that there was room for improvement, hence the decision to interface with the communities and get their input on the best way forward to achieve the desired result that would lead to greater pipeline security and ultimate elimination of illegal oil bunkering.

“We are ready to engage all the communities to ensure that we provide the necessary employment opportunities. As we speak, 100 per cent of our surveillance guards are allocated to host communities,” he stated.

He also noted that pipeline vandals, when arrested, must be prosecuted and jailed to serve as deterrence to others and prevent them from harassing the community for exposing them.

He added that the provision of security and other working tools for the community surveillance workers and regular interaction with the Paramount Rulers and CDC chairmen were critical.

Speaking on behalf of the Paramount Rulers at one of the engagements, His Royal Highness Eze Willy Uwakwe, Traditional Ruler of Opuoma Autonomous Community in Imo State, described the interface as a welcome development.

Eze Uwakwe said; “We like it because they admitted that they deemed it necessary because there are shortfalls from what they get from the contractor and what the contractor is telling them. That is why they decided to come and interact with us one-on-one, so we thank them for that.”