Former Niger Delta agitators under the first phase of the amnesty programme have pledged support for Pipelines Infrastructure Nigeria Limited in efforts to reduce pipeline vandalism and improve security around oil and gas installations.
The commitment was made during a stakeholders meeting organised by the surveillance company.
Group Chairman Jacob Brave said former agitators were prepared to work with communities and the company to promote peace and protect critical infrastructure.
Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council Bubaraye Dakolo also called for additional funding for pipeline security activities.
Dakolo argued that stronger financing could allow more resources and opportunities to reach host communities and reduce some of the economic pressures associated with vandalism and crude oil theft.
PINL General Manager for Community and Stakeholders Relations Akpos Mezeh said Nigeria’s ambition to become a major regional energy hub depended on securing pipelines and other strategic assets.
He said cooperation among host communities, security agencies and government institutions had improved protection of the Trans Niger Pipeline and the Eastern Gas Network.
The company also linked the importance of pipeline security to the proposed African Atlantic Gas Pipeline.
The planned network is expected to stretch roughly 6,900 kilometres from Nigeria toward Morocco through several coastal countries, with connections to parts of the Sahel.
PINL said protecting domestic energy infrastructure would remain essential as Nigeria seeks to play a larger role in regional gas supply.
