Notable Niger Delta socio-cultural group, the Orashi National Congress, ONC), has passed a resounding vote of confidence on Pipelines Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) for what it described as the company’s exemplary performance in handling surveillance contracts across the eastern corridor of the Niger Delta region.
In a statement issued by the President General of ONC, Amb. Emeni Ibe (JP, AP), the Congress commended PINL for its remarkable contributions to security, employment, community engagement, and overall stability within the oil-bearing states of Rivers, Bayelsa, Abia, and Imo.
The ONC stated, “We use this medium to commend PINL for outstanding performance in our region. The company has set a new benchmark in pipeline surveillance operations by engaging over 35,000 persons across various categories—including surveillance personnel, vendors, contractors, administrative staff, clerical workers, and stakeholder engagement teams”.
“The aforementioned figures align with documented employment statistics under the NNPC’s surveillance programmes and reflect the cumulative support system that keeps the oil and gas infrastructure functioning daily.”
“This broad inclusion has provided ‘dignity in work’ for thousands of men and women in a region where unemployment once fueled restiveness and militancy. PINL’s transparent operational structures, verifiable payment systems, and documented partnership models are key indicators of the company’s sincerity and accountability.”
“PINL has honoured its commitments with consistency and fairness. The company’s approach to surveillance—rooted in community intelligence, trust, and cooperation—has redefined the practice and produced measurable outcomes across the region.”
The ONC also highlighted that PINL’s model of community-integrated operations has contributed significantly to national oil stability, with crude oil losses dropping to a 16-year low, uninterrupted pipeline operations across the eastern corridor, and gas production rising to 8 billion standard cubic feet per day.
“These achievements point to a quiet but important shift in how surveillance operations are conducted in the Niger Delta,” Amb. Ibe said.
“The company has built a system that prioritizes partnership over force and inclusion over intimidation. This is both peace-building and economic empowerment in action.”
In recognition of these notable contributions, the Orashi National Congress, ONC, announced its decision to present PINL with an Award of Excellence for outstanding performance, service delivery, and commitment to the development and stability of the Niger Delta region.
The ONC reaffirmed its support for initiatives that promote peace, transparency, and sustainable development while encouraging other operators in the region to emulate the PINL model.