Economic Boost: Trans Niger Pipeline Reopens Following Successful Restoration Efforts

Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), the indigenous firm overseeing pipeline surveillance, confirmed the restoration. The rapid recovery was made possible through the cooperation of host communities in the affected areas.

During a stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Monday, Akpos Meze, PINL’s Community Relations Consultant, expressed gratitude to the host communities in Abia, Imo, and Rivers States for their support. He reiterated PINL’s commitment to maintaining strong community relations with the 215 host communities of the TNP.

Meze outlined PINL’s plans for community development, including skills acquisition programs, scholarships, and youth empowerment schemes aimed at creating sustainable opportunities for the locals. Additionally, PINL plans to initiate medical outreach programs and provide piped water to selected communities within the next month, with Asarama community in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State already benefiting.

Host communities commended PINL’s efforts in safeguarding the pipelines, emphasizing that consistent engagement has fostered peace and empowerment. The traditional ruler of Eleme Kingdom, King Philip Obelle, acknowledged the positive impact of PINL’s initiatives but urged the company to address ongoing environmental challenges caused by oil exploration, such as pollution and acid rain.

Dr. Kennedy West, President of the Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationalities in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND), also spoke, calling on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to fulfill its responsibilities under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and ensure the well-being of host communities.