More than 2,000 women and girls from 215 host communities along the Eastern Corridor of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) are set to benefit from a new entrepreneurship and financial literacy initiative launched by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL).
The PINL Women Entrepreneurs & Empowerment Programme aims to equip women with business management skills, financial education, and enterprise support to foster self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods across oil-producing communities.
The initiative was made by the General Manager of Community Relations and Stakeholder Engagement at PINL, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, during the company’s monthly stakeholders’ meeting with representatives from host communities in Rivers, Imo, and Abia States.
“We have completed data capturing in Port Harcourt for host communities across Abia, Imo, and Rivers States, and in Yenagoa for Bayelsa communities. Verification is now underway, and beneficiaries will soon be contacted,” Mezeh said.
He noted that the programme will empower 2,000 women before the end of the year, describing it as “a major step in PINL’s commitment to gender inclusion and local enterprise development.”
Dr. Mezeh also disclosed that the company’s youth scholarship scheme for host communities is nearing completion, with disbursements expected to begin in October. The programme now includes new entrants from previously underrepresented areas to ensure wider coverage and equitable participation.
On environmental and social impact, he confirmed that PINL is collaborating with government agencies and environmental experts to carry out joint assessments aimed at identifying key areas for remediation and social investment.
“Our goal is not only to sustain safe operations but to ensure that our footprint in these communities leaves lasting social and environmental value,” he stated.
Also addressing security concerns, Mezeh highlighted the company’s enhanced collaboration with local stakeholders, security agencies, and community surveillance teams initiatives that have helped maintain zero infractions and uninterrupted operations on the Trans Niger Pipeline.
“We have strengthened logistics, communication, and field intelligence-sharing to ensure issues are logged, tracked, and resolved promptly,” he said, adding that these efforts have resulted in sustained peace, improved oil and gas output, and the lowest crude losses in over sixteen years.
He further revealed that all verified pending payments to community leaders have been reconciled and processed, reinforcing PINL’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
According to Mezeh, recent joint operations between PINL teams and local intelligence networks successfully foiled multiple attempts at pipeline vandalism in Bonny, Eteo (Eleme), Ikata, and Ogbo.
Following stakeholder recommendations, PINL, according to Mezeh, has expanded its surveillance and development programs to include Biseni in Bayelsa State and other deserving host communities. Additional recommendations for the inclusion of more areas hosting critical oil and gas infrastructure have been submitted to relevant authorities.
“Beyond our mandate, PINL has voluntarily taken responsibility for providing security for oil and gas assets in close proximity to the TNP pro bon as part of our broader contribution to national energy security,” Mezeh said.
Reaffirming the company’s long-term vision, Mezeh emphasized that PINL is committed to fostering trust-based partnerships through programs focused on education, youth empowerment, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.
“We are not just a pipeline protection company,” he said. “We are a development partner committed to transforming lives, promoting peace, and building enduring prosperity through purposeful collaboration.”