The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) has linked recent improvements in crude oil production to enhanced security along the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP).
According to the company, closer collaboration between host communities and Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has reduced disruptions and strengthened operational stability. As a result, oil output and government revenue have improved.
Akponime Omojevwhe, Head of Field Operations for the Eastern Corridor at NNPCL’s Project Monitoring Office, disclosed this at PINL’s first monthly stakeholders’ engagement meeting for 2026. The event took place in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Omojevwhe said sustained community support had played a central role in securing the pipeline corridor. Consequently, production levels have risen across the eastern network.
He urged host communities to sustain the cooperation to help Nigeria achieve its 2.5 million barrels per day crude oil production target for 2026.
“Through this collaboration, we have recorded clear growth in oil output and revenue,” Omojevwhe said. “Going forward, 2026 must outperform 2025 to meet our national production goals.”
The meeting, he explained, also served as a forum for communities to share feedback on PINL’s security operations.
Communities Renew Commitment to Pipeline Protection
Earlier, PINL’s General Manager for Community and Stakeholders Relations, Dr Akpos Mezeh, said host communities had renewed their commitment to protecting the Trans Niger Pipeline.
He noted that the company remains aligned with the Federal Government’s 2.5 million barrels per day production target.
“In 2026, communities have reaffirmed their resolve to prevent infractions along the pipeline,” Mezeh said. “Accordingly, we are determined to support the national production target.”
He also commended surveillance guards for their continued vigilance, describing their role as critical to maintaining steady operations.
In addition, Mezeh disclosed plans to facilitate dialogue between the Federal Government and Ogoniland communities. He said the talks aim to support the resumption of oil exploration in the area.
“To reach the national production target, conflicts across the Niger Delta must be addressed,” he said. “Ogoniland is key, and this year we will intensify mediation efforts to enable a return to production.”
Mezeh outlined PINL’s priorities for 2026. These include sustaining zero infractions along the TNP corridor, expanding community intelligence, and strengthening collaboration with NNPCL, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and security agencies.
Furthermore, he said the company plans to expand women and youth empowerment programmes, deepen community participation, and build the capacity of community-based contractors through training in surveillance, patrol procedures, and incident reporting.
Stakeholders Commend Engagement Strategy
Meanwhile, a representative of ONSA, Young-Harry Amachree, assured stakeholders that authorities would carefully consider concerns raised during the meeting.
Traditional rulers and community leaders also praised PINL’s engagement approach. The King of Eleme Kingdom, HRM Philip Osaro Obele, commended the company for maintaining inclusive operations across host communities.
He specifically highlighted the recent distribution of food items and support packages to communities and surveillance guards along the TNP corridor.
Similarly, the King of Elele-Alimini Community in Emohua Local Government Area, Eze Peter Wagbara, said PINL had avoided practices that often fuel community tensions.
However, he appealed for faster implementation of women empowerment initiatives and scholarship programmes to ensure wider community benefits.
Youth leaders also pledged continued support. Speaking for the Niger Delta Ethnic Youth Leaders, Dr Legborsi Yamaabana said PINL had positively impacted youths through empowerment and employment opportunities.
He therefore urged the Federal Government to assign the company additional responsibilities, citing its role in promoting peace and regional stability.
Stakeholders from Rivers, Imo, and Abia states attended the meeting.