Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) says it is mobilising host communities to tackle oil theft and protect critical oil infrastructure in Nigeria’s Niger Delta.
The company works with traditional rulers, youth groups, women leaders and community development committees to strengthen pipeline surveillance.
According to PINL, its strategy covers 215 host communities along the Trans Niger Pipeline and Eastern Gas Network.
The company aims to increase local participation in pipeline protection while addressing concerns about employment, education and community development.
PINL reports that crude oil deliveries through the Trans Niger Pipeline increased from approximately three per cent in May 2022 to 98 per cent in September 2026.
This reported improvement highlights the importance of pipeline security in Nigeria’s oil-producing region.
Oil theft and pipeline vandalism have long threatened production, reduced government revenue and disrupted operations across the Niger Delta.
Consequently, stronger pipeline security could help Nigeria recover lost crude volumes, increase export earnings and improve foreign exchange inflows.
However, independent verification would help establish how much PINL’s activities contributed to the reported increase.
PINL’s General Manager of Community and Government Relations, Akpos Mezeh, says the company has employed more than 35,000 young people in pipeline surveillance operations.
The company also reports spending more than ₦2 billion on scholarships for over 1,500 students. In addition, PINL says its empowerment programmes have supported more than 2,000 women.
These initiatives form part of the company’s strategy to encourage residents to protect oil infrastructure.
Nevertheless, transparent recruitment, effective oversight and measurable outcomes remain essential to ensuring that these programmes deliver lasting benefits.
At a stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt, the traditional ruler of Ekpeye in Rivers State, Kevin Anugwo, said crude oil pollution had disrupted fishing and farming in affected communities.
He added that improved pipeline security had helped some residents return to their livelihoods.
However, preventing new spills does not automatically remove existing pollution. Affected communities still need environmental remediation, clean water and the restoration of contaminated farmland.
Therefore, government agencies and oil industry operators must complement pipeline security with sustained environmental recovery efforts.
Nigeria relies on crude oil exports for a significant share of its foreign exchange earnings and government revenue. For this reason, reducing oil theft remains an important economic and security priority.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities reportedly dismissed a petition against PINL after finding that the allegations lacked sufficient substantiation. The committee also recommended extending the company’s surveillance contract.
The development highlights the importance of accountability and transparent oversight in pipeline surveillance contracts.
Ultimately, Nigeria needs more than security operations to sustain higher oil production. Transparent contracts, effective law enforcement, environmental recovery and meaningful community participation will all play important roles.
For host communities, the real test is whether improved oil security leads to safer environments, sustainable livelihoods and lasting economic opportunities.
Editorial note: This report attributes operational figures and programme achievements to PINL and its representatives. Independent verification would help establish the precise contribution of its activities to crude oil delivery and community welfare.
