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) directly attributes to improved security and sustained peace in the Niger Delta, significantly driven by the efforts of pipeline surveillance contractors like Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) alongside security agencies.
FIRS Chairman, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, announced this achievement during a visit from a delegation of senior military officers led by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa. He confirmed that the coordinating director of the Large Tax Group reported the 2025 oil and gas sector target was achieved due to steady production and higher profitability among sector operators.
“This is the first time in a long while that we’ve met our oil and gas target,” Adedeji stated. “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, alongside key partners like PINL, are critical stakeholders in sustaining that peace.”
The contribution of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) was underscored by its General Manager, Community and Stakeholders Relations, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, during a monthly engagement with host communities from Rivers, Abia, and Imo States. He stated that PINL’s operations were vital to the national revenue milestone.
“PINL recorded zero infractions in the past month, which directly helped boost national crude oil production,” Mezeh declared. “Our results are built on strong community partnerships, consistent safety measures for personnel, timely salary payments, and rapid dispute resolution. These PINL strategies have reduced downtime and increased trust.”
Mezeh highlighted PINL’s recent interventions, including oil spill response in Yorla, Kpean (Khana LGA, Rivers State) and dismantling illegal bunkering sites in Umubule and Oyigbo. He also updated stakeholders on PINL’s CSR programmes and reaffirmed the company’s alignment with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
NNPCL Praises PINL, Calls for Continued Synergy
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 urged.
PINL Intelligence Fuels Major Illegal Site Busts
Joint operations involving PINL and the Special Prosecution Task Force (SPT) recently uncovered two major illegal refining sites in Oyigbo LGA, Rivers State. One operated under the guise of logistics firm Emekus Nigeria Ltd, while another was hidden within a piggery on the remote eastern bank of the Imo River.
Raids led by CSP Omar Sini resulted in confiscating stolen crude, refining equipment, storage tanks, and a 33,000-litre truck. Three suspects were arrested at Emekus, while another fled the piggery site.
“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.” CSP Sini confirmed 108 suspects are currently remanded, with two convictions secured and 38 cases ongoing.
PINL Reaffirms Commitment to Energy Security
Concluding PINL’s Dr. Mezeh reiterated the company’s “unwavering commitment to sustainable energy security” and urged all stakeholders to remain united against vandalism, theft, and pollution.
“We have a shared responsibility to rescue our economy from further bleeding,” Mezeh emphasised. “Sustaining these gains means all hands, including PINL and our partners, must remain on deck.”
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.