PINL Expands Free Pipeline Security Operations Across Niger Delta

Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), a leading pipeline surveillance company, has announced the expansion of its security operations — at no cost — to cover all oil and gas facilities located near the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP).

The firm, which operates along the eastern corridor of the TNP, said the decision was driven by its commitment to national development and the protection of critical energy infrastructure. PINL’s General Manager, Community Relations and Stakeholder Engagement, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, disclosed this on Sunday during a stakeholder meeting with host communities in Bayelsa State.

Mezeh urged community leaders and residents to strengthen real-time intelligence sharing to ensure continued protection of vital assets. He said, “PINL has voluntarily taken on the responsibility of providing security for all oil and gas assets close to the TNP, pro bono, even though they fall outside our current mandate. We therefore call on stakeholders to remain vigilant and enhance community-based intelligence for national security.”

He further revealed that Biseni community has now been integrated into PINL’s operations, with plans to include more communities from Sagbama Local Government Area. According to him, there were no incidents of pipeline vandalism in Bayelsa or across the TNP corridor in September, a success he attributed to the company’s collaboration with security agencies and host communities.

Mezeh also highlighted ongoing empowerment and development projects, including the PINL Women Entrepreneurs & Empowerment Initiative, which targets 2,000 women and girls across Abia, Imo, Rivers, and Bayelsa states. Data verification for beneficiaries is underway, while scholarship disbursements for youths are expected to commence by November.

In their remarks, the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba, and the President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Jonathan Lokpobiri, commended PINL for its proactive community engagement, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and partnership with traditional institutions.

Chairman of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Mr. Bulodisiye Ndiwari, confirmed that there have been no reported cases of oil theft or pipeline vandalism in the area since August. Meanwhile, the Project Monitoring Office of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) pledged continued support for PINL’s stakeholder collaboration in combating pipeline sabotage.