FG Needs Our Support Now, PINL Begs Nigerians

The Coordinator, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), Prince Benson Onuwaje has appealed to Nigerians to support the government at this critical moment in rescuing the nation.

Onuwaje while speaking with newsmen on Friday in Warri noted that though the economic downturn was not peculiar to Nigeria.

“We should all collaborate with the government at this critical moment
to overcome this present global predicament, though not peculiar to Nigeria.

ALSO READ: SANship: Bozimo, Falana, Others Nominated

“We should support the various policies of the federal government geared towards addressing the economic challenges in the country,” he said.

Speaking on the operations of the PINL, the coordinator said the company had been able to prevent pipeline vandalism in the OMS 40, Trans Benin River to Otumara, Escravos and Forcados.

He noted that Delta State rose top of the chat on the oil producing states in the country, three months after PINL took over surveillance of the Trans Forcados.

“We started on Nov. 27, 2018. We employed over 300 people from the communities in this section. And because we were doing a good job.

“Government asked us to come and rescue the OMS 40 Trans Forcados. Then Forcados was porous, bunkering activities was taking place seriously in the area.

“In Trans Forcados alone, we removed so many valve insertions that full a barge.

“We put measures in place to ensure that Trans Forcados is pumping very well and government is getting whatever they pump. Shell confirmed they were having over flowing in the tank.

“Trans Forcados pipeline is 28 inches Trunckline and that ensure that the activities of illegal bunkering is erase,” he said.

Onuwaje said that because of the companies sterling performance and the increasing rate of bunkering activities in Bennett Island, federal government gave them six month proof of consent and they started on April 17, 2019.

He said that the private security outfit engaged 850 and additional 300 persons for intelligence gathering to effectively curtail criminal activities in the Bennett Island.

According to him, PINL introduced Swamp buggie (an amphibious vehicle) in conjunction with the military to escavate illegal pipes and pits dugged by the oil thieves in the Island.

“We also mobilised to the a forest called the “controversial forest” in Eyeye Community. You cannot penetrate it. In the process, we were able to remove some of the valve insertions.

“While this was going on, some of the oil thieves came and set fire on the line and in the process, we lost one of our staff from the Eyeye Community,” he said.

Onuwaje said that PINL maintained good cordial relationship with the host communities and ensure that the staff salaries were paid promptly.

He said that pipeline surveillance was not free service, hence, those engaged to do the work should be adequately paid as at when due.