PINL: Our Projects Brought Peace, Employment to Niger Delta

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has declared that its pipeline protection projects in the Niger Delta brought peace and employment opportunities to the region.
Speaking at a briefing in Abuja, Delta State Coordinator of Pipeline Infrastructures Nigeria Limited, Prince Benson Onuwaje and the Spokesman of the company, Akpos Mezeh, said contrary to insinuations, the company remained steadfast in its commitment to excellence, particularly along the coast of the Niger Delta.
“We are confident that our operations are significantly contributing to the region’s development”, he said.
The duo said PINL had delivered on its mandate since inception in 2015.
“In 2015 when then President Muhammadu Buhari invited our Chairman, Captain Hosa Okunbor now of blessed memory owing to his vast experience and capacity in surveillance and security jobs and the NNPC sought our assistance in rescuing Nigeria.
“On December 22, 2015, we were entrusted with Warri’s trunk line. Despite the initial challenges, including deliberate sabotage, we amazingly, successfully completed the task, salvaging the line for the benefit of Nigeria’s crude oil and gas production”, he said
“Our journey continued with proof of concepts spanning seven months before payment was received. When NNPC approached us again, this time regarding MM40, we initiated another proof of concept, starting on November 27, 2018.
“By June 2019, payments commenced. We were also called upon to salvage the Trans-Forcados pipeline, initiating another successful proof of concept on April 17, 2019”, Onuwaje said.
He affirmed that “since taking control of the Trans-Forcados pipeline, our operations have contributed to Delta State’s status as the leading oil-producing state in Nigeria.
“Our lines are functioning optimally, providing substantial benefits to various entities and the communities we serve.
“If we are not doing well as these blackmailers are struggling to make the gullible believe,will our employers continue to patronise us with various jobs and at various locations in the Niger Delta region?The answer is no”, he said.
The company, therefore, maintained that “as part of our engagement, we have provided boats and created employment opportunities for the youth in the communities on our right of ways and others in the catchment areas.
“These resources are integral to our operations and underscore our dedication to community development”, he said.