Pipeline security, community ties key to Nigeria’s oil output surge— PINL

Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has credited improved pipeline security and sustained stakeholder collaboration as key drivers behind Nigeria’s recent surge in oil production, which saw the country surpass its OPEC quota for the first time in 2026 .

Dr. Akpos Mezeh, General Manager of Community and Stakeholders Relations at PINL, made this known during the company’s stakeholders’ engagement forum held at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Yenagoa, on Friday.

Citing data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Dr. Mezeh, noted that Nigeria’s total oil production rose by 2.2 percent in May, reaching approximately 1.70 million barrels per day.

“Crude oil production averaged 1.53 million barrels per day, representing 102 percent of the country’s OPEC allocation.

“This achievement reinforces Nigeria’s position as Africa’s leading oil producer and represents the highest combined production level recorded since July 2025,” Dr. Mezeh stated.

Represented by Andrew Ebikeme, Head Community Relations at PINL, Mezeh attributed the success to “improved pipeline security, enhanced stakeholder engagement, stronger community participation, and the collective determination to reject crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal refining activities.”

Dr. Mezeh expressed deep concern over a recent attack on the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP) by armed individuals on June 15, 2026, around the Odau axis in Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State.

“This unfortunate incident has been promptly escalated to the relevant security authorities for urgent intervention and necessary action,” he said, emphasizing that such attacks pose serious environmental and economic risks.

Dr. Mezeh reiterated PINL’s commitment to its host communities, highlighting the fulfilment of scholarship payments and women empowerment grants promised at a previous engagement.

He noted that plans for a more structured youth training programme are underway.

He acknowledged the growing cooperation from traditional rulers, youth groups, and civil society, citing the recent declaration by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) that Ogoniland is now free of active illegal refining sites.

“These developments provide hope for a cleaner environment, healthier communities, and a more prosperous future for the Niger Delta region,” Dr. Mezeh concluded.

The call for vigilance was echoed by a representative of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engr. Akponime Omojewvhe, who appealed to host communities for increased cooperation to prevent future incidents.

In their separate remarks, the Paramount ruler of Joinkarama IV Community in Ahoada West LGA, Rivers State, King Sunny Jacob and the Technical Adviser to the Bayelsa Governor on Ijaw National Affairs, Oyinfie Jonjon lauded PINL for its empowerment programme for host communities and urged support for the surveillance firm.