As the Federal Government intensifies efforts to curb pipeline vandalism and oil theft, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Ltd. (PINL), a pipeline surveillance contractor, has implemented strategies to secure the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP).
On Monday, the company, through its consultant, Learn & Leadwise Resources Limited, began distributing food palliatives to host communities along the TNP corridor as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The palliatives, intended for all 215 communities on the TNP corridor, aim to mitigate the impact of the current economic challenges, empower the communities, foster a sense of ownership over crude oil assets in their areas, and eradicate vandalism and oil theft.
Deborah Okumbo, Chief Executive Officer of Learn & Leadwise Resources Limited, explained during a press conference ahead of the palliative distribution that the initiative also serves as an appreciation to the host communities for their cooperation. It further seeks to encourage continued support in addressing pipeline vandalism, illegal bunkering, oil theft, and other vices on the TNP corridor.
Speaking in Saakpenwa, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State, during the launch of the distribution for 35 communities spanning five councils—Gokana, Andoni, Eleme, Bonny, and Tai—Okumbo revealed that the initiative would run for nine months.
She said, “We have commenced the sharing of palliatives, food items, and other materials with host communities in the Trans Niger Pipeline corridor.
“The purpose of this is to first appreciate the support and cooperation we’ve received from the host communities along this axis and also to solicit for more support and effort towards curbing pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and illegal bunkering,” she stated.
“Once again, we want to emphasise that the main target of this CSR programme is to give the people a sense of ownership and responsibility for the assets on their land and encourage them to be part of their security and protection, thereby eliminating pipeline vandalism, oil theft, and kpo-fire in the communities,” she added.
She explained that the CSR programs were agreed upon with the different communities after due consultation and needs assessments, adding that the company was commissioned by PINL two years ago for that purpose.
“One of the things that were mentioned is skill acquisition and medical outreach, which are in the pipeline. However, PINL decided to start with food distribution in line with the Yuletide season to put smiles on their faces, show that they actually care, and appreciate the support from the communities. This is also to ask the communities to take ownership of the pipelines,” Miss Okumbo stated.
She also used the medium to urge the community people to always raise the alarm anytime they suspect any strange action around the pipelines in their communities.
The CSR consultant to PINL explained further that since the commencement of operations as the surveillance contractor of the Trans Niger Pipeline about three years ago, the company had adopted a strategy of encouraging pipeline communities to own the pipelines running through their areas to ensure their safety. She added that the company had engaged the services of youths of host communities at different levels of the surveillance job, thereby creating thousands of employment opportunities for the youths in the various host communities.
She stated that other initiatives, such as the provision of mattresses and other household materials for those affected by floods, medical outreaches, scholarships, and skill acquisition, were part of the CSR programme.
She noted that the CSR modalities had been worked out by leaders of the respective communities and their contractors.
Responding, the Vice Chairman of Tai Council, Mrs. Barineka Kambe, who stood in for the chairman, Menubari Matthew Duke, commended PINL for remembering the community during such a period.
She urged the company to do more in the area of skills acquisition to benefit more people in the region.
“We thank PINL for remembering our people at a time like this, especially those who don’t have anything to eat.
“They didn’t focus on leaders alone but involved the entire people in this initiative. It shows that the company is genuinely concerned about our welfare.
“We pray that you continue this initiative and do more, particularly in the area of skills acquisition, so that more of our people can benefit,” she stated.
She, however, urged chiefs and leaders of the various communities not to hoard the palliatives but to ensure they reach all those in need, especially the vulnerable ones in their respective communities.
Responding on behalf of the benefiting communities, Emere T.E. Akobe appreciated PINL for the gesture and urged them to continue including the communities in their plans to maintain the cordial relationship between the company and the communities.
He emphasised the need for the company to maintain a cordial relationship with the communities in a manner that would result in mutual understanding and benefits.
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