TNP Host Communities Commend PINL for Christmas Palliatives, Medical Outreach

Host communities along the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) corridor in Obio/Akpor, Emohua, and Ikwerre Local Government Areas of Rivers State have commended Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) for its Christmas palliative distribution and medical outreach initiative.

The commendation was made during the distribution exercise, which benefitted residents of over 35 communities across the three local government areas. The outreach was held at the Emohua Council Secretariat and included the provision of food items alongside free medical services.

Community leaders described PINL’s intervention as uncommon, noting that it is rare for companies operating in the area to engage host communities with such consistency and impact.

Speaking on behalf of the communities, Chief Solomon Azunda Wejinya, Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman of Ibaa Community, praised PINL for its sustained engagement beyond seasonal interventions. He noted that the company has consistently supported empowerment initiatives for youths and women, as well as scholarship programmes for indigenes.

“We want to thank this company. They have been a pleasant surprise to us,” Chief Wejinya said. “Beyond the palliatives, they hold regular stakeholder meetings, empower our women, and support our youths through scholarships. Their operations have been transparent, and that has built trust.”

He added that stronger community engagement of this nature would significantly reduce conflicts between host communities and oil companies.

“If this approach had been adopted earlier, there would be far fewer disputes between communities and oil companies operating in this area,” he said.

Chief Wejinya further assured PINL of the communities’ continued partnership in safeguarding the Trans Niger Pipeline.

“We are on your side,” he said. “The communities in Emohua are vigilant, and we are committed to protecting the facilities on our land. We do not anticipate any vandalism.”

Earlier, the General Manager, Community Relations and Stakeholders Engagement of PINL, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, explained that the initiative was a gesture of appreciation to the host communities for their cooperation in ensuring the safety and uninterrupted operation of the pipeline.

“We are grateful for the role these communities play in keeping our pipelines safe,” Dr. Mezeh said. “There is no better way to say thank you than to give back in this way. Beyond food items, we have also brought medical services to support the health and wellbeing of the people.”

He expressed appreciation to the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, other council officials, and PINL’s partners, Learn and Leadwise Resources, for their collaboration in delivering the outreach.

Dr. Mezeh also appealed to youths across the host communities to sustain their cooperation with PINL to ensure the continued protection of pipeline infrastructure.

“We must maintain this momentum and continue to ensure increased production for the benefit of the country and our communities,” he said. “Pipeline vandalism has serious environmental consequences, and we urge everyone to help sustain zero infractions along the Eastern Corridor.”