PINL Strengthens Partnership with NNPC for 2.5mbpd Production Goal

In a bid to reach the Federal Government's goal of producing 2.5 million barrels per day of crude oil by the year 2026, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), which oversees surveillance along the Eastern Corridor of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), has announced its intention to strengthen its partnership with the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and local communities.

During a January meeting with stakeholders from the TNP host communities held in Bayelsa State, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, the General Manager of Community and Stakeholders Relations at PINL, stated that enhancing this collaboration is a key strategic objective for the company in the upcoming year.

Dr. Mezeh further noted that the company aims to solidify ties with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and other security agencies in pursuit of the production target.

Additionally, the company committed to mediating disputes in all oil-producing communities within the region to ensure the targeted output is achieved.

He emphasized, "As we approach 2026, the focus of PINL will be on aligning with the Federal Government's agenda to meet the 2.5 million barrels per day production target, preserving the integrity of the TNP, and strengthening partnerships with the NNPCL, ONSA, and other security agencies."

He also highlighted the importance of resolving conflicts in Ogoniland and other oil-producing areas to facilitate the resumption of oil production.

Expressing gratitude to the communities for their cooperation throughout 2025, Mezeh urged them to maintain a dialogue-driven approach in resolving any emerging issues.

"Distinguished stakeholders, the narrative surrounding the Trans Niger Pipeline is evolving, and you have a significant role in shaping that change. What we safeguard together today will define Nigeria's earnings in the future. Let us choose dialogue over disruption, cooperation over conflict, and shared prosperity over short-term advantages," he remarked.

HRM Dr. Bubaraye Dakolo, Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, called on the Federal Government to focus on developing the host communities to promote peace and reduce vandalism in the area.

He also stressed the necessity of making petroleum products accessible to local communities in order to deter the proliferation of counterfeit products in those regions.

The Ibenanowei of Bomo Kingdom, HRM Dr. Joshua Igbugburu, encouraged the youths in the community to persist in their efforts to protect the pipelines, and he commended PINL for fostering unity among the communities through regular interactions.