TNP Communities Demand Expansion of PINL Contract Amid Rising Oil Output

Stakeholders Urge Expansion of PINL's Surveillance Contract

Stakeholders from pipeline and crude oil host communities in Nigeria have called on the Federal Government to expand the surveillance contract of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL). This request is based on the company’s significant role in boosting the nation’s recent surge in oil and gas production.

PINL, which manages security operations along the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), has been praised for its efforts in improving relations with host communities and reducing pipeline vandalism. The company oversees the TNP, which runs through Rivers, Bayelsa, Imo, and Abia states. During a stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Port Harcourt in September, PINL was commended for its positive impact on local communities.

The call for expansion comes after new data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) revealed that Nigeria’s gas production reached an average of 7.59 billion standard cubic feet per day in July. This represents an 8.58 percent increase compared to 2024 levels and nearly a 10 percent rise over 2023. NUPRC attributed this growth to improved facility protection and efforts to meet the nation’s 2030 zero-flare commitment.

Community representatives have urged the Federal Government to act quickly to broaden the surveillance contract, emphasizing that the initiative has proven effective in both increasing production and curbing oil theft across the Niger Delta.

Positive Impact on Local Communities

President-General of Orashi People’s Congress, Emeni Ibe, highlighted that PINL’s presence has restored peace in oil-bearing communities. He noted that his area is criss-crossed with several oil pipelines and that the partnership with PINL has been crucial in the fight against vandalism.

“We are pleased with their trainings and their scholarship for our youths. If these things are done, pipeline vandalism will be a thing of the past,” Ibe said. He added that the initiative was already shifting local perceptions, stating that PINL is changing narratives in the area.

Engr. Orr Sunday Orr, speaking on behalf of the Ogoni Oil and Gas Host Communities Youths Forum, confirmed that the company’s strategy has led to a drastic reduction in cases of pipeline vandalism, oil theft, and illegal bunkering. He emphasized that the Ogoni youths would continue to support the efforts of PINL and the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Concerns Over Exclusion

Despite the positive developments, some community members expressed concerns about exclusion from the surveillance framework. Ajenkebiokpomaa Orlu from Soku community pointed out that despite hosting one of Nigeria’s largest gas facilities, his community is not part of PINL’s operations. “We are supposed to be part of it as a major oil-bearing community with the largest gas plant in West Africa,” he said.

PINL's Response and Expansion

Dr. Akpos Mezeh, General Manager of PINL for Community Relations and Stakeholders Engagement, acknowledged the concerns and confirmed that the company had extended some operations to communities outside its original mandate. He explained that while Soku is not covered under the current TNP contract, PINL has been able to cover the area using limited resources.

“We have expanded our operations into gas and we are into the sixth month, and the results are clear. From the NUPRC report, gas production has increased,” Mezeh said. He added that PINL has engaged workers from Soku, Tombia, Rumuji, Ogba, Abha, and Gbarain to secure gas pipelines.

Mezeh called on the Federal Government to formalize the expansion that PINL is already doing, emphasizing that the company is committed to supporting the Federal Government’s goals of improving standards in host communities and increasing oil production.