The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) says sustained collaboration between host communities along the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) corridor and Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has contributed to rising oil production and improved national revenue. The affirmation was made by Akponime Omojevwhe, Head of Field Operations, Eastern Corridor, Project Monitoring Office of NNPCL, at the first 2026 monthly stakeholders' engagement meeting jointly organized by PINL and host community structures (HOSCOMs) in Port Harcourt.
The engagement, according to organisers, was convened to receive feedback from host communities and other stakeholders on PINL's operations along the TNP corridor.
In his opening remarks, Omojevwhe attributed the improved security of the Trans Niger Pipeline to the cooperation of host communities, noting that their support has enhanced operational stability and oil output. He urged stakeholders to sustain the collaboration to meet the Federal Government’s 2.5 million barrels per day production target for 2026.
“The message I was sent is to appreciate the stakeholders for your collaboration with PINL which has shown significant upshoot in the oil production and it has yielded in revenue generation,” he said, adding: “I want to emphasize that this year 2026, we must be able to ensure that it is better than 2025 so that our projection can be met as far as oil production is concerned.”
Earlier, PINL’s General Manager for Community and Stakeholders Relations, Dr Akpos Mezeh, said the company had secured fresh assurances from host communities to prevent infractions on the pipeline. He commended surveillance personnel and reiterated PINL’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s production target.
“In this year 2026, we have gotten renewed commitments from the communities to ensure that there is no infraction on the pipelines,” Mezeh said. “We are determined to achieve the Federal Government’s target of 2.5m barrels per day production.”
Mezeh also disclosed plans by PINL to mediate between the Federal Government and communities in Ogoniland to facilitate the resumption of oil exploration in the area, describing Ogoni as critical to meeting national output targets.
Outlining the company’s 2026 strategy, he said PINL would focus on sustaining zero infractions along the TNP corridor, mediating conflicts in oil-producing communities, expanding women and youth empowerment programmes, deepening community intelligence, and strengthening collaboration with NNPCL, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and other security agencies.
Representatives of security agencies and traditional institutions commended the company’s engagement approach. A representative of the ONSA, Young-Harry Amachree, assured community members that concerns raised at the meeting would be addressed, while the King of Eleme Kingdom, HRM Philip Osaro Obele, praised PINL for inclusive engagement and recent distribution of festive palliatives.
Community leaders and youth representatives from Rivers, Imo and Abia states also expressed support for PINL, citing its empowerment initiatives and non-divisive approach, while appealing for expanded scholarships and women-focused programmes as the company continues operations across the Niger Delta.
