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

The company said the decision to render the service pro bono was driven by its commitment to supporting national development and safeguarding critical oil infrastructure.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting with TNP host communities in Bayelsa State, according to the Guardian,  the General Manager, Community Relations and Stakeholder Engagement at PINL, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, urged community leaders to enhance real-time information sharing to ensure optimal protection of the assets.

He revealed that following previous consultations, the Biseni community had been incorporated into the firm’s operational network, while discussions were ongoing to extend coverage to more communities in Sagbama Local Government Area.

Dr. Mezeh noted that there had been no cases of pipeline vandalism along the TNP corridor in Bayelsa and neighbouring states, attributing the success to strong collaboration between PINL, security agencies, and local stakeholders.

He added that the synergy had not only ensured uninterrupted oil and gas production in the eastern corridor but also boosted host community trust funding and strengthened peace in the region.

Highlighting the company’s empowerment efforts, Mezeh said PINL had completed data capture for its Women Entrepreneurs & Empowerment Initiative, targeting 2,000 women and girls across Abia, Imo, Rivers, and Bayelsa States. The initiative, he explained, focuses on small business development, financial literacy, and vocational training, with data verification currently ongoing before beneficiaries are contacted.

Commending the company’s gesture, the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba, lauded PINL for recognising the crucial roles of host communities and traditional institutions in its operations. He also praised its corporate social responsibility programmes and regular stakeholder engagements aimed at curbing vandalism.

Similarly, the President of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), Jonathan Lokpobiri, applauded PINL’s proactive measures in addressing long-standing challenges in the region, particularly those related to environmental degradation.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bulodisiye Ndiwari, confirmed that no incident of oil theft or pipeline vandalism had been recorded in the area over the past two months. He thanked the company for empowering youths and women through its capacity-building initiatives.