Host communities along the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) corridor in Obio/Akpor, Emohua and Ikwerre Local Government Areas of Rivers State have lauded Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) for extending Christmas palliatives and medical outreach to them during the Yuletide season.
The commendation was given during the distribution of Christmas palliatives and a free medical outreach programme organised for no fewer than 35 communities across the three local government areas. The event took place at the Emohua Local Government Council Secretariat.
Community leaders described the gesture as rare, noting that it was uncommon for companies operating in the area to engage and support host communities in such a sustained and inclusive manner.
Speaking on behalf of the communities, Chief Solomon Azunda Wejinya, Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman of Ibaa Community, said beyond the seasonal palliatives, PINL had maintained regular engagement with host communities and implemented empowerment programmes for youths and women.
According to him, many of the conflicts historically associated with oil and gas operations would have been avoided if companies related with their host communities in the manner adopted by PINL.
“We want to thank this company. They are a surprise to us. We have been having stakeholders’ meetings, and they have gone further by arranging scholarship programmes for our people and empowering our women,” Chief Wejinya said.
“If it had been like this before, I don’t think anybody would have any problem with oil companies or their facilities operating in this area. The company has been so transparent in its operations,” he added.
The community leader assured PINL of the continued support of the host communities in safeguarding the Trans Niger Pipeline, stressing that residents remained vigilant against vandalism.
“We want to tell you that we are on your side. The communities of Emohua are very vigilant, and I don’t think there will be any vandalism. We are assuring the company that we will protect the facilities on our land,” he said.
Earlier, the General Manager, Community Relations and Stakeholders Engagement of PINL, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, said the distribution of palliatives and the medical outreach were meant to appreciate the communities for their cooperation in ensuring the safety and optimal operation of the pipeline.
“We want to appreciate you for the good job you have been doing to ensure that our pipelines are safe, and there is no better way to say thank you than doing this,” Dr. Mezeh said.
He explained that the initiative went beyond food distribution, noting that medical personnel were also on ground to provide healthcare services to community members.
Dr. Mezeh thanked the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, other council authorities, and PINL’s partners, Learn and Leadwise Resources, for their support and collaboration in making the exercise successful.
He also appealed to youths in the host communities to sustain their cooperation with the company to keep the pipelines free from infractions.
“We want to use this opportunity to appeal to our communities to maintain the momentum and ensure that we continue to increase production for the country because that will benefit all of us,” he said.
Highlighting the environmental consequences of pipeline vandalism, Dr. Mezeh urged the communities to continue working towards zero infractions along the Eastern Corridor of the Trans Niger Pipeline.
