Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), the surveillance contractor for the Eastern Corridor of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), has rolled out a novel community-driven strategy to tackle pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft: deploying local town criers to amplify security awareness and intelligence gathering across 215 host communities in Rivers, Bayelsa, Imo, and Abia States.
Announced during PINL’s November stakeholders’ meeting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, the initiative harnesses traditional communication channels—such as town criers and cultural leaders—to disseminate verified information on security threats, foster early warnings, and bolster ongoing sensitisation campaigns. Dr. Akpos Mezeh, General Manager of Community and Stakeholders Relations at PINL, highlighted the move as a direct response to community recommendations from the previous meeting.
“The town criers will play a central role in enhancing communication and intelligence flow around our host communities,” Dr. Mezeh stated. “Their introduction is already improving the flow of information across the region, ultimately supporting our mandate to maintain uninterrupted production on the TNP.”
The meeting, attended by traditional rulers, youth leaders, women groups, security agencies, and representatives from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), also featured updates on PINL’s broader community engagement efforts. Dr. Mezeh revealed that the company’s academic scholarship scheme—aimed at empowering youths in the Niger Delta—stands at 97% completion, with full rollout imminent.
In a proactive step linking social vices to economic sabotage, PINL announced a partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to launch joint awareness campaigns against drug abuse among youths. “Drug abuse is contributing significantly to the menace of pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft in the Niger Delta,” Dr. Mezeh explained. “This sensitisation will promote discipline, patriotism, and productive behaviour, curbing the growing addiction crisis.”
Stakeholders lauded the initiatives. His Majesty King Bubaraye Dakolo, Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, urged deliberate government investment in Niger Delta development to ensure lasting peace. “All the issues around oil and gas stem from a lack of development in the creeks,” he asserted. “Peace comes from equity and progress.”
Comrade Robert Igali, Director General of the Bayelsa State Youth Development Centre, challenged young people to seize opportunities like scholarships and empowerment programs. Engr. Akponine Omojevwe, Head of Field Operations for the Eastern Corridor at NNPC’s Project Monitoring Office, reaffirmed NNPC’s support for PINL’s collaborative approach, which has sustained zero pipeline infractions in recent months.
PINL also updated attendees on community integrations, noting the full incorporation of Biseni Clan in Bayelsa—long plagued by vandalism—into its operations. Additional communities are under review by NNPC and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) for inclusion.
As Nigeria ramps up efforts to boost crude oil output amid global energy demands, PINL’s blend of tradition and modernity underscores a holistic fight against theft, which costs the nation billions annually. With vandalism attempts down 87% since 2022, the company vows to sustain zero incidents through the final quarter of 2025, while expanding youth and women empowerment as drivers of regional stability.
