Niger Delta Leaders Unite to Tackle Oil Theft as PINL Hosts High-Level Security Meeting in Yenagoa
Yenagoa, Nigeria — Leaders, traditional rulers, security agencies, and key stakeholders across the Eastern Corridor on Friday converged at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Yenagoa, for a high-level meeting convened by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) to forge a united front against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.
The strategic stakeholders’ meeting, held on November 21, 2025, brought together Royal Fathers, clergy, youth and women groups, community development committees (CDCs), security chiefs, government officials, and major players in the oil and gas industry — a turnout reflecting the gravity of pipeline sabotage that costs Nigeria billions of naira annually.
Discussions focused on implementing practical community-driven solutions to dismantle illegal bunkering operations along the region’s vast pipeline network. Speakers praised PINL for engaging grassroots actors, boosting intelligence gathering, enhancing community protection, and contributing to improved national crude oil production.
HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo (Agada IV), Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council; HRH Moses Theophilus, Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) Central Zone; and Comr. Igali Robert JP, Director-General, Bayelsa Centre for Youth Development, were among those who stressed the need for stronger community involvement and enforcement to protect Nigeria’s economic lifeline.
Representing PINL, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, General Manager, Community Relations and Development, appreciated the stakeholders for their consistent support and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to safeguarding oil infrastructure through a holistic approach.
“Your consistent support is the bedrock of our success in pipeline surveillance,” Dr. Mezeh said. “As we intensify our security drive, PINL remains committed to delivering on our Corporate Social Responsibility, including our ongoing Women Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Programme set to benefit 2,000 women across the region.”
Other dignitaries present included Prof. Benjamin Okaba, President of INC Worldwide; former lawmaker Hon. Ingo Iwowari-Gold; Hon. Bulodisiye Ndiwari, Executive Chairman of Yenagoa LGA; Hon. Frank Otele, Special Adviser to the Governor on Petroleum; Chief Abel Ebifemowei, former Director of Transport, Government House; HRH Darius Job, Chairman of Southern Ijaw Traditional Rulers Council; and Comr. Nicholas Igarama, Chairman, IYC Eastern Zone.
The event also featured cultural performances, spoken-word presentations, and drama sketches emphasizing pipeline safety and community vigilance.
Stakeholders ended the meeting with renewed commitment and a unified resolve to curb the decades-long menace of oil theft threatening the stability and prosperity of the Niger Delta.
