Niger Delta: Firm dismisses allegations of bias in NNPCL’s pipeline protection

 

Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited has dismissed the allegation circulating in the media that there are biases in pipeline protection contracts in the Niger Delta region.

A statement signed by Prince Benson Onuwaje, the Delta State Coordinator of Pipeline Infrastructures Nigeria Limited, and Akpos Mezeh, PRO of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited described the allegations as unsubstantiated and spurious.

The firm, however, challenged those leveling the allegations to a roundtable engagement to discuss the exceptional performance of Pipeline Infrastructures Nigeria Limited, supported by concrete facts and figures.

While rejecting the allegations, the firm stated that Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited remains steadfast in their commitment to excellence, particularly along the coast of the Niger Delta.

“We are not here to shy away from scrutiny; instead, we challenge those who are the real instigators behind these falsehoods to have the courage to reveal their true identities.

“This will enable us to invite them to a roundtable engagement with the relevant authorities. During this meeting, we can discuss the exceptional performance of Pipeline Infrastructures Nigeria Limited, supported by concrete facts and figures.

“We will also highlight the knowledge of our achievements by our employers and government at various levels in the Niger Delta, particularly regarding pipeline security and surveillance. These efforts have resulted in improved output in crude oil and gas production. We hope that, faced with these accomplishments, they will not retreat in shame.

“We want to unequivocally state that Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited remains steadfast in our commitment to excellence, particularly along the coast of the Niger Delta. We are confident that our operations are significantly contributing to the region’s development”, the statement noted.

The statement implored those making this claims to educate themselves on the intricacies of the firms’s operations before making such accusations.

“We are aware that these accusations may be driven by external influences or individuals collaborating with our rivals. We urge them to retract these claims as we strive to create economic opportunities and employment for the youth in all committees.

“Our commitment remains unwavering — we deliver services, add value for money, and ensure the security of the land. Our primary goal is to secure contracts to facilitate the smooth delivery of cargo to various terminals. NNPC lines can pump from Escravos to deliver to the refinery in Warri and beyond.

“I want to reiterate a fundamental principle that the Niger Delta does not belong to any particular tribe; it is for all of us. Nobody can monopolize the Niger Delta, and with the work we are doing, we strive to provide the best services to the youth and communities of the Niger Delta.

“It’s essential to recognize that the Niger Delta belongs to all of us, and nobody should attempt to claim exclusivity. Our operations focus on benefiting the communities we work in, demonstrating our commitment to the welfare and well-being of the people.

“As part of our engagement, we have provided boats and created employment opportunities for the youth in the communities on our right of ways and others in the catchment areas. These resources are integral to our operations and underscore our dedication to community development”, the statement added.