Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has disclosed plans to mediate between the Federal Government and stakeholders in Ogoniland, Rivers State, to facilitate a smooth resumption of oil exploration activities in the area.
The company’s General Manager, Community and Stakeholders Relations, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, made the disclosure during PINL’s January stakeholders’ meeting with host communities, held in Port Harcourt.
The proposed resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland has continued to generate sharp divisions among residents. While some Ogoni groups have vowed to resist any return of oil activities until polluted sites are fully remediated and the late Ken Saro-Wiwa and other executed activists are exonerated, others have described the move as a welcome development capable of stimulating economic growth.
Mezeh said PINL was determined to support the Federal Government’s target of 2.5 million barrels of crude oil per day, stressing that mediation and conflict resolution in sensitive areas of the Niger Delta, particularly Ogoniland, were critical to achieving the goal.
“In 2026, we have received renewed commitments from host communities to ensure there are no infractions on the pipelines.”
Reaching the Federal Government’s 2.5 million barrels per day target requires proactive mediation in areas of conflict.
“Ogoniland is key and we are committed this year to strengthening engagement with communities there to enable the resumption of crude oil production.”
He added that the company had secured assurances from host communities to prevent infractions on the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), commending community-based surveillance guards for their efforts.
At the meeting, the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) affirmed that collaboration with host communities along the TNP had contributed significantly to improved oil production and increased national revenue.
Head, Field Operations, Eastern Corridor, Project Monitoring Office (PMO), NNPCL, Akponime Omojevwhe, said community support had also enhanced the company’s performance in securing the pipeline. He urged stakeholders to sustain the cooperation to ensure the 2026 production target is met.
Also speaking, the King of Eleme Kingdom, Dr. Philip Osaro Obele, commended PINL for its inclusive engagement with host communities, citing the recent distribution of Christmas palliatives to communities and surveillance personnel along the TNP.
Similarly, the King of Elele-Alimini community in Emohua Local Council, Eze Peter Wagbara, said PINL had operated differently from what he described as the “divide-and-rule” approach of some companies. He, however, appealed to the firm to fast-track women empowerment programmes and scholarships to ensure wider community benefits.
Speaking on behalf of youths, the spokesperson of Niger Delta Ethnic Youth Leaders, Dr. Legborsi Yamaabana, pledged continued youth support for PINL, noting that the company had positively impacted young people through empowerment and employment initiatives.
Credit: TheGuardian
