Sustained cooperation between host communities along the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) corridor and Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) is yielding measurable gains in crude oil production, with positive implications for national revenue and energy security. Stakeholders at a monthly engagement forum in Port Harcourt highlighted improved pipeline security, declining infractions, and renewed commitments to meet the Federal Government’s production target of 2.5 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2026.
The first edition of the 2026 PINL and Host Community Surveillance Committees (HOSCOMs) monthly stakeholders’ engagement meeting provided a platform for feedback from communities across the TNP corridor. Participants reviewed operational outcomes, assessed security performance, and outlined priorities for sustaining and scaling gains recorded in the previous year.
At the meeting, the Head, Field Operations, Eastern Corridor, Project Monitoring Office of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Akponime Omojevwhe, affirmed that community support has been central to improved oil output and revenue generation. He noted that collaboration with PINL and host communities has strengthened pipeline security, contributing to increased production levels.
Omojevwhe urged stakeholders to consolidate the progress made and intensify efforts in 2026 to surpass the previous year’s performance. According to him, achieving the projected 2.5 million bpd for 2026 would require sustained cooperation, vigilance, and shared ownership of the pipeline infrastructure. He conveyed NNPCL’s appreciation to stakeholders for their collaboration, describing the results as a “significant upshoot” in production and revenue, while stressing that 2026 must outperform 2025.
Earlier in the meeting, the General Manager, Community and Stakeholders Relations of PINL, Dr Akpos Mezeh, disclosed that the company had secured fresh assurances from host communities to maintain zero infractions along the TNP. He commended surveillance guards for their commitment and reiterated PINL’s determination to contribute to the Federal Government’s production target.
Mezeh also revealed plans for mediation efforts aimed at facilitating a smooth resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland, Rivers State. He emphasized that meeting the national production target would require resolving lingering conflicts across the Niger Delta, describing Ogoniland as a critical area in this regard. He said PINL would intensify mediation with communities in Ogoniland throughout 2026 to support the resumption of crude oil production.
Outlining strategies for sustaining performance in the year ahead, Mezeh said PINL would continue to align its operations with government objectives, maintain zero infractions along the TNP corridor, and mediate conflicts in Ogoniland and other oil-producing communities to enable production resumption. Additional priorities include expanding women and youth empowerment programmes, deepening community intelligence and participation, strengthening collaboration with NNPCL, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and security agencies, as well as advocating improved government presence and infrastructure development in oil and gas communities.
He further pledged the company’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and consistent engagement, including capacity-building training for Community-Based Contractors (CBCs). The training will focus on incident and event reporting, guard patrol procedures, surveillance, and intelligence gathering.
Representatives of government and traditional institutions echoed calls for dialogue and inclusive engagement. A representative of the ONSA, Young-Harry Amachree, assured participants that sentiments and opinions expressed by community members would be adequately addressed, while urging continued cooperation and peaceful resolution of issues.
Traditional rulers at the meeting commended PINL’s community-focused approach. The King of Eleme Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Philip Osaro Obele, praised the company for carrying communities along in its operations and cited the recent distribution of Christmas palliatives to stakeholders and surveillance guards as evidence of inclusiveness. He said such gestures reinforce a sense of recognition and motivation among those tasked with protecting the pipeline.
Similarly, the King of Elele-Alimini Community in Emohua Local Government Area, Eze Peter Wagbara, described PINL’s operations as markedly different from what he termed the “divide and rule” approach of some companies in host communities. He noted the absence of company-induced conflicts in his domain, while appealing for accelerated women empowerment programmes and scholarships to ensure broader community benefits.
Youth leaders also pledged continued support. Speaking on behalf of youths in the region, the spokesperson of the Niger Delta Ethnic Youth Leaders, Dr Legborsi Yamaabana, said PINL’s empowerment and employment initiatives have positively impacted young people across the Niger Delta. He urged the Federal Government to entrust the company with greater responsibility, describing it as a reliable vehicle for peace, development, and economic growth. He reaffirmed the youths’ commitment to sustaining support for PINL and appealed for expanded roles for the company given its track record.
The engagement meeting drew stakeholders from Rivers, Imo, and Abia states, reinforcing a shared resolve among communities, operators, and government institutions to safeguard critical infrastructure and achieve Nigeria’s crude oil production targets in 2026.