–as PINL reaffirms commitment to sustainable energy security
For the first time in many years, the Federal Government has met its oil and gas revenue benchmark — a milestone the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) attributes to improved security and sustained peace in the Niger Delta, driven by the efforts of security agencies and pipeline surveillance contractors such as Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL).
The announcement was made by FIRS Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, when he received a delegation of senior military officers led by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa. According to him, the coordinating director of the Large Tax Group confirmed that the 2025 oil and gas sector target had been achieved, thanks to steady production and higher profitability among companies operating in the sector.
“This is the first time in a long while that we’ve met our oil and gas target,” Adedeji said. “The peace in oil-producing areas has allowed production to thrive, and companies are making more profit. Prosperity can only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace — and the Armed Forces are critical stakeholders in sustaining that peace.”
PINL’s Zero-Infraction Record
Speaking at a monthly engagement with host communities from Rivers, Abia, and Imo States, PINL’s General Manager, Community and Stakeholders Relations, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, said the company’s operations directly contributed to the nation’s revenue milestone.
“PINL recorded zero infractions in the past month, which helped boost national crude oil production,” Mezeh said. “Our results are built on strong community partnerships, consistent safety measures for personnel, timely salary payments, and rapid dispute resolution. These strategies have reduced downtime and increased trust.”
He highlighted recent interventions, including oil spill response in Yorla, Kpean (Khana LGA, Rivers State) and the dismantling of illegal bunkering sites in Umubule and Oyigbo communities. Mezeh also updated stakeholders on PINL’s CSR programmes for youth and women, while reaffirming the company’s alignment with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
NNPCL Urges Collaboration
Head of Field Operations, Eastern Corridor, NNPCL’s Project Monitoring Office, Engr. Akponine Omojevwe, called for continuous synergy between PINL and host communities.
“PINL has gone the extra mile with scholarships and community benefits. Securing the pipelines is a shared responsibility. Let us support them and protect their equipment,” Omojevwe said.
Busting Illegal Refining Sites
Joint operations between PINL and the Special Prosecution Task Force (SPT) recently uncovered two major illegal refining sites in Oyigbo LGA, Rivers State. One site operated under the guise of a logistics firm, Emekus Nigeria Ltd, while the other was hidden within a piggery on the remote eastern bank of the Imo River.
The raids, led by CSP Omar Sini of the SPT, resulted in the confiscation of stolen crude, refining equipment, three storage tanks, and a 33,000-litre truck. Three suspects were arrested at Emekus Nigeria Ltd, while another fled the piggery site upon sighting the task force.
“This discovery was possible through intelligence from PINL’s community-based surveillance guards,” said Andrew Ebikeme of PINL. “Maintaining strong ties with the SPT and host communities has been key to protecting the nation’s oil assets.”
SPT’s CSP Sini confirmed that 108 suspects are currently remanded across the Niger Delta and Abuja, with two convictions already secured and 38 cases at trial.
Looking Ahead
Mezeh reiterated PINL’s “unwavering commitment to sustainable energy security” and urged all stakeholders to remain united in combating vandalism, oil theft, and environmental pollution.
“We have a shared responsibility to rescue our economy from further bleeding,” he said. “Sustaining these gains means all hands must remain on deck.”