Ijaw Congress Hails PINL, Urges Support from Niger Delta Communities

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has endorsed Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) and urged host communities in the Niger Delta to support the firm’s efforts in safeguarding the Eastern Corridor, including the Trans Niger Pipeline.

At a stakeholders’ forum held in Yenagoa on Friday, INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, said the firm’s zero-infraction record on the Trans Niger Pipeline over the past month was a sign of effective engagement with host communities. He urged youths to channel their energy into the empowerment initiatives made available through the company’s programmes rather than resorting to vandalism.

The meeting was attended by security agencies, lawmakers, and community leaders, who noted ongoing innovations in pipeline monitoring. Bayelsa State Police officials revealed that drone technology has been deployed to strengthen aerial surveillance, while lawmakers encouraged dialogue between youths and surveillance contractors such as PINL to sustain peace and economic stability in the region.

Stakeholders at the event also commended PINL’s community-focused initiatives, including scholarships and skills development for women, across 215 host communities as examples of the kind of collaboration required to protect vital oil and gas infrastructure.

Officials from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Project Monitoring Office credited the improved security atmosphere to cooperation between the firm and its host communities.