From Seyi Tayese, Yenagoa
As part of it Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has empowered one thousand (1,000) Bayelsa women with two hundred and fifty million naira N250,000,000.00 to help them boost their businesses.
Each beneficiary was given a dummy check of two hundred and fifty thousand naira (N250,000.00) to fulfilled the promise made by PINL for women empowerment within their operating base.
The ceremony which took place at Golden Tulip in Yenagoa the state capital,had in attendance stakeholders across their operating communities in order to get feedback from them which is PINL monthly meeting with the host communities.
Speaking during the month of May Stakeholders Meeting, Dr. AKPOS MEZEH General Manager Community Relations and Stakeholders Management Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) said Women empowerment grant disbursement has largely been concluded. “However, a few beneficiaries experienced technical and administrative issues, which are currently being addressed. Those affected will receive their payments shortly”.
According to Dr. Mezeh, the same resolution process has also been applied to outstanding students scholarship grants. Saying structured youth training and capacity-building programme is currently being developed to provide sustainable opportunities for the youths.
“PINL remains committed to improving community livelihoods through continuous engagement and targeted social investment programmes.While global economic pressures persist, we will continue to fulfill our responsibilities and support our host communities.
“Importantly, we remain accountable not only to the Federal Government but also to our host communities whose cooperation remains central to operational success.
Dr. Mezeh said though no incident reports were recorded within the Bayelsa, Adibawa, and Biseni axes, adding that all surveillance teams have been encouraged to remain proactive and continue to diligently fulfill their surveillance obligations across all operational areas.
“PINL will continue to take firm disciplinary measures against erring contractors who fail to uphold operational standards, professionalism, and accountability in the discharge of their responsibilities. This is part of our commitment to maintaining operational efficiency, transparency, and the protection of critical national assets.
“We are proud to state that our collective efforts have continued to yield positive results across operational corridors. Incidents of pipeline vandalism have reduced significantly, intelligence gathering has improved, and stakeholder engagement has become more productive and inclusive, with zero infractions recorded in the last one month on the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP).
“These achievements are possible because of the synergy between PINL, community leaders, stakeholders, surveillance personnel, and security agencies.
“Recent reports released by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on the 5th of May 2026 indicate that Nigeria recorded significant progress in the oil and gas sector. In March 2026 alone, NNPCL recorded a profit after tax of approximately ₦276 billion, while national crude oil production continued to increase alongside remarkable growth in gas production.
“Another report from NUPRC on May 12, 2026 highlights that:
Nigeria met 99.2% of its 1.5mbpd OPEC quota of crude oil. The figure also represents a 7.58% increase when compared to the month of March. The peak production in April was 1.85mbpd while the lowest production for the month was 1.46mbpd.
“These figures are not ordinary statistics. They are direct evidence that stability, cooperation, and effective protection of pipeline infrastructure produce measurable economic benefits for our nation and our people.
“Behind every increase in production lies the sacrifice and cooperation of communities, surveillance teams, traditional rulers, security agencies, and other stakeholders who have chosen partnership over conflict and dialogue over disruption.
Accordingly, we reiterate that the following principles must guide the resumption of crude oil production in Ogoni land which includes, Inclusive community participation;
Environmental sustainability and continuous cleanup efforts; Economic inclusion and transparency; Community-based security frameworks; and
Sustainable development partnerships.
“However, sustainable progress can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, unity, and trust.This is why PINL remains committed to the following priorities: Strengthening community-based pipeline protection systems; Expanding stakeholder engagement mechanisms;Supporting youth empowerment and skill acquisition programmes;Enhancing women empowerment initiatives;
Investing in education through scholarship schemes
” Improving grievance management and conflict resolution systems; and Supporting environmental sustainability and rapid response initiatives.We understand clearly that security cannot succeed through the application of brute force alone. Sustainable security is built on inclusion, trust, communication, and shared benefits”.
PINL also used the medium to acknowledge the contributions of Elder T.K. Ogoriba, who commended the consistency of PINL’s engagement efforts and the visible impact on host communities while encouraging continuous improvement and accountability.
“We also appreciate the remarks of Chief Seiyefa Otuaogha, who acknowledged the fulfillment of promises relating to scholarships and women empowerment programmes and further appealed for increased support for women due to growing demand within communities.
Speaking unbehalf of the beneficiaries , a beneficiary from Oporoma community, thanked PINL for the kind gestures, saying it will help them to take care of their families.
The women were advised to use the empowerment money for their businesses and not for big wrappers or big shoes.
