By Jose Oby 
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has called on host communities along the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) to take greater responsibility in protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure located in their areas.
Speaking through Navy Captain Lassie Audi Ozovehe at the monthly stakeholders’ engagement hosted by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt, General Musa warned that the adverse effects of pipeline vandalism and oil theft are borne most heavily by the communities themselves.
“If you break a pipeline, the environmental and health hazards will affect the community more than the oil companies,” he said. “These assets are on your land. You benefit from them—so you must protect them.”
The CDS commended PINL for its strong record in pipeline security, particularly its zero-infractions record on the TNP, describing it as a notable achievement.
PINL Surveillance Mandate Now Covers Gas and National Assets
In his remarks, Dr Akpos Mezeh, General Manager of Community and Stakeholder Relations at PINL, announced the company’s surveillance scope has been broadened to include gas infrastructure and other national oil and gas assets within Nigeria’s Eastern Corridor.
“This expansion reflects the trust placed in us by the authorities,” Mezeh said. “Our success on the TNP is tied to solid community collaboration, clear operational strategies, and the commitment of our teams.”
He noted that the company’s operational model—characterised by timely salary payments, emphasis on personnel safety, and quick conflict resolution—has helped reduce downtime and build confidence among stakeholders. Nonetheless, he acknowledged persistent challenges such as intelligence gaps, threats to surveillance teams, and internal community disputes.
Mezeh reaffirmed PINL’s commitment to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and emphasized that sustainable development in host communities remains central to its mission.
Stakeholders Call for Inclusive Development and Environmental Justice
Community leaders and traditional rulers present at the event commended PINL’s role in minimizing pipeline infractions but called for a broader and more people-centered development strategy.
Prince Datolu Sokubo, Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (Eastern Zone), stressed the need for deeper community engagement: “You can’t protect the pipeline without prioritising the people. Without our cooperation, no infrastructure is truly safe.”
Mene Suanu Timothy Baridam, Chairman of the Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, decried the worsening environmental damage caused by illegal bunkering and vandalism, linking it to increased poverty and food insecurity in the region.
Dr Patricia Ogbonnaya, Ada Ekpeye-Logbo of the Ekpeye Kingdom, urged oil companies to stop gas flaring and called on PINL to help amplify the environmental and health concerns of affected communities.
“We’re committed to ending illegal bunkering,” she said. “But oil companies must also take responsibility for the long-term impact of their operations.”
The engagement ended with a renewed pledge by PINL and community stakeholders to intensify cooperation, enhance surveillance systems, and foster peace and sustainable development across the oil-rich region.