INC rallies support against oil theft in Niger Delta

President, Ijaw National Congress (INC), Professor Benjamin Okaba, has urged the 215 host communities along the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) to give full support to Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), the surveillance firm securing oil pipelines on the Eastern corridor in the Niger-Delta.

Okaba, who spoke yesterday at a stakeholders meeting, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state capital, praised the company for its zero-infraction record on the TNP over the past month and for its consistent engagement with host communities.

He said, “PINL has shown they are one of us. They are not foreigners. The fact that they have recorded zero infractions shows they are doing well. They may not be perfect, but there are clear signals they are ready to do better and carry everybody along. I urge our youths to stay patient, avoid vandalism, and take advantage of the livelihood packages provided.”

Mr. Akponine Omojevwe, Head of Field Operations for the Eastern Corridor, NNPCL Project Monitoring Office, credited the cordial relationship between PINL and host communities for the improved security.

His words, “For the last month there were no infractions, which makes our work easier. This is the result of fantastic collaboration between the company and the communities, and I appreciate our royal fathers for their role in this.”

A lawmaker, Tari Porei, added that the struggle of the Ijaw people contributed to PINL’s establishment and urged youths to engage companies and government constructively.

He said, “If oil companies in the region had been as responsive as PINL, there would have been no need for agitation leading to vandalism.”

Mrs. Ingo Iwowari commended PINL for including women in its programmes and urged other companies to follow suit.

Read Also: Nigeria dismisses Canadian court ruling labeling APC, PDP as terrorist groups

“Pipeline vandalism is more than a security challenge — it’s a human community crisis. Ignoring women is ignoring half the solution. By empowering women, we can protect our pipelines, environment, and people. Inclusion brings lasting peace and faster recovery,” she said.

PINL’s General Manager, Community and Stakeholders Relations, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, said that zero infractions on the TNP in the past month have contributed to increased national oil revenue, stressing that the Federal Inland Revenue Service recently confirmed Nigeria achieved its 2025 oil revenue benchmark for the first time in years, attributing part of the success to surveillance companies like PINL.

Mezeh attributed the success to strong community partnerships, safety measures for personnel, timely salary payments, and rapid dispute resolution.

He also highlighted the company’s CSR initiatives — scholarships across 215 host communities and training programmes for women.

“We remain committed to sustainable energy security in the Niger Delta and call on all stakeholders to work with us to protect these critical national assets,” Mezeh said.