PINL Aligns With FG to Hit 2.5mbpd Crude Oil Production Target in 2026

Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), the private security company responsible for surveillance of the Eastern Corridor of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP), has announced its commitment to align fully with the Federal Government’s vision of achieving 2.5 million barrels per day (mbpd) crude oil production in 2026.

The pledge was made during PINL’s January 2026 stakeholders’ meeting held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where community leaders, traditional rulers, youth representatives and security stakeholders gathered to review progress and chart a sustainable path forward for oil production and pipeline security in the Niger Delta.

The announcement comes at a critical time for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, as the country continues efforts to recover lost production capacity caused by years of pipeline vandalism, oil theft, illegal bunkering and community unrest.

Nigeria’s 2.5mbpd Crude Oil Production Goal for 2026

The Federal Government’s target of producing 2.5 million barrels of crude oil per day by 2026 represents a strategic push to strengthen Nigeria’s economy, stabilise foreign exchange earnings and reposition the country as Africa’s leading oil producer.

For years, Nigeria’s crude oil output has fluctuated well below its installed capacity, largely due to sabotage of critical oil infrastructure, insecurity in oil-producing communities and weak surveillance along major pipelines.

Achieving the 2.5mbpd target will therefore depend not only on upstream investment but also on robust pipeline security, community cooperation and zero tolerance for vandalism — areas where PINL plays a central role.

PINL’s Role in Securing the Trans Niger Pipeline

Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited was engaged to provide surveillance and security services along the Eastern Corridor of the Trans Niger Pipeline, one of Nigeria’s most strategic crude oil transportation routes.

The Trans Niger Pipeline serves as a vital artery that transports crude oil from onshore fields in the Niger Delta to export terminals. Any disruption along this corridor has immediate consequences for national production volumes and revenue.

Speaking at the stakeholders’ meeting, Dr Akpos Mezeh, General Manager, Community and Stakeholders Relations at PINL, emphasised that the company’s operations in 2026 will be deliberately aligned with national production goals.

“As we move into 2026, PINL’s focus will be on aligning with the efforts of the Federal Government towards meeting the 2.5mbpd production target, sustaining zero infractions along the Trans Niger Pipeline corridor, and strengthening collaboration with NNPCL, ONSA and security agencies,” Mezeh stated.

Sustaining Zero Infractions Along the TNP Corridor

One of the major highlights of PINL’s presentation was its commitment to sustaining zero infractions along the Trans Niger Pipeline corridor.

In recent times, improved surveillance, intelligence-driven operations and community participation have significantly reduced incidents of pipeline breaches in areas under PINL’s watch.

According to the company, maintaining this record is crucial to restoring investor confidence and ensuring uninterrupted crude oil evacuation.

PINL stressed that pipeline security is no longer just a military or corporate responsibility but a shared duty involving host communities, traditional institutions and government agencies.

Strengthening Collaboration With NNPCL, ONSA and Security Agencies

Another pillar of PINL’s strategy is enhanced collaboration with key national institutions, including:

• Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)
• Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA)
• Military and paramilitary security agencies

By integrating intelligence sharing, coordinated patrols and rapid response mechanisms, PINL aims to prevent sabotage before it occurs rather than reacting after damage has been done.

This coordinated approach aligns with the Federal Government’s broader security architecture for protecting national assets.

Mediating Conflicts in Ogoniland and Other Oil-Producing Communities

Beyond physical security, PINL has also positioned itself as a mediator in long-standing conflicts affecting oil production, particularly in Ogoniland and other sensitive oil-producing areas.

Community conflicts have historically contributed to production shutdowns and pipeline attacks. PINL believes that dialogue, trust-building and inclusive engagement are essential to resuming and sustaining oil production in these regions.

“We are committed to mediating conflicts in Ogoniland and other oil-producing communities with a view to resuming production and ensuring long-term stability,” Mezeh said.

Expanding Women and Youth Empowerment Programmes

Recognising that insecurity is often driven by unemployment and economic exclusion, PINL announced plans to expand its empowerment programmes for women and youths across host communities.

These programmes are designed to:

• Create alternative sources of income
• Reduce youth involvement in vandalism and oil theft
• Build local ownership of pipeline protection efforts

According to PINL, empowering communities economically is one of the most effective long-term solutions to pipeline vandalism.

Deepening Community Intelligence and Awareness

Community intelligence remains a cornerstone of PINL’s security framework.

The company plans to deepen awareness campaigns against pipeline vandalism while encouraging locals to report suspicious activities promptly.

By integrating community-based intelligence into its operations, PINL believes it can detect threats early and neutralise them without escalation.

Capacity Building for Community-Based Contractors (CBSs)

To further improve surveillance efficiency, PINL disclosed plans to conduct capacity-building training for Community-Based Contractors (CBSs) in the first quarter of 2026.

The training will focus on:

• Incident and event reporting
• Guard patrol procedures
• Surveillance techniques
• Intelligence gathering and documentation

This initiative aims to professionalise local security participation and ensure that community contractors meet international best practices.

Communities Praised for 2025 Efforts

While outlining plans for 2026, PINL also commended host communities for their cooperation and commitment throughout 2025.

Mezeh urged stakeholders to continue embracing dialogue as the primary tool for resolving disputes.

“Distinguished stakeholders, the story of the Trans Niger Pipeline is changing, and you are the authors of that change. What we protect together today determines what Nigeria earns tomorrow,” he said.

Traditional Rulers Call for Development of Host Communities

The Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Dr Bubaraye Dakolo, used the occasion to call on the Federal Government to prioritise development in oil-producing communities.

According to him, lack of infrastructure and economic inclusion remains a major driver of vandalism in the Niger Delta.

He also stressed the importance of making petroleum products affordable in host communities to eliminate demand for illegally refined products.

Affordable Petroleum Products as a Solution to Vandalism

Dr Dakolo argued that pipeline vandalism would drastically reduce if petroleum products were made accessible and affordable in oil-producing areas.

“How painful it is that you have oil wells and manifolds in your community and still buy fuel at higher prices than those who don’t,” he said.

He urged the Office of the National Security Adviser and other authorities to take this perspective seriously as part of a holistic solution.

Call to Youths to Protect National Assets

Also speaking at the meeting, the Ibenanaowei of Bomo Kingdom, HRM King Joshua Igbugburu, appealed to youths to remain committed to protecting pipelines and oil installations.

He praised PINL for fostering unity among communities through consistent engagement and dialogue.

According to the monarch, sustained peace is essential for attracting development projects and investment into Bayelsa State and the wider Niger Delta.

What PINL’s Commitment Means for Nigeria’s Economy

If Nigeria achieves the 2.5mbpd crude oil production target, the economic benefits would be far-reaching.

Increased production would:

• Boost government revenue
• Stabilise foreign exchange earnings
• Improve funding for infrastructure and social services
• Strengthen Nigeria’s global oil market position

PINL’s alignment with this national goal underscores the critical link between security, community development and economic prosperity.

Conclusion: Shared Responsibility for National Prosperity

As Nigeria looks ahead to 2026, achieving the ambitious 2.5mbpd crude oil production target will require collective effort from government, security agencies, oil companies and host communities.

Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited’s commitment to enhanced security, community empowerment and stakeholder collaboration represents a significant step toward that goal.

Ultimately, the success of the Trans Niger Pipeline and Nigeria’s oil sector depends on sustained peace, trust and shared responsibility — values PINL continues to promote across the Niger Delta.