By David Owei,Yenagoa.

Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) says it has expanded its operations ‘pro bono’ to include all oil and gas facilities in close proximity to the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP).

The company whose primary area of operations is on the Eastern Corridor of the Trans Niger Pipeline said they decided to provide the free services in the interest of national development.

General Manager, Community Relations and Stakeholder Engagement of PINL, Dr Akpos Mezeh, made the disclosure while addressing stakeholders from host communities of the TNP in Bayelsa.

He called on stakeholders to scale up real time information around these critical assets for optimum protection.

“We wish to restate that PINL has taken on the responsibility of providing security for all oil and gas assets in close proximity to the TNP “Pro Bono” even though they are not under its current mandate. To this extent, we urge stakeholders to scale up vigilance and real time community intelligence around these assets in the interest of national security, ” Mezeh said.

He also disclosed that following from previous meetings, Biseni community has been included in its operations while plans are on to include other communities from Sagbama LGA.

“Acting on recommendations from our last meeting, PINL has granted the inclusion of Biseni and other deserving communities in its surveillance engagements.

” Furthermore, recommendations have been submitted to the appropriate authorities for inclusion of more communities that host critical oil and gas assets in the eastern corridor, ” Mezeh stated.

Giving a rundown of its successes for the month under review, the PINL official stated that there was no case of pipeline vandalism in the state and on the entire TNP, attributing the feat to the collaboration between the company, securty agents and community stakeholders.

He emphasized that there has been sustained oil and gas production in the eastern corridor, increased host community development trust funding and peace in the communities.

Mezeh informed the stakeholders that the company’empowerment for 2000 women and girls from the host communities under the PINL Women Entrepreneurs & Empowerment Initiative has completed data capturing for host communities in Abia, Imo, Rivers and Bayelsa communities.

He explained that the program focuses on small business development, financial literacy, and skills training for women and girls, adding “Verification of data is ongoing, and beneficiaries will be contacted shortly”.

On scholarship and youth development, he said it is currently being processed for payment, with beneficiaries expected to receive disbursements by November while new entries from underrepresented communities have also been added.

Some stakeholders at the meeting noted that PINL’s impact was being felt in the host communities.

President of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Professor Benjamin Okaba in his speech thanked PINL for recognising the roles of the host communities and the traditional institution in its operations.

The INC leader appreciated the company for its corporate social responsibility packages for the communities and for the regular stakeholders engagement towards finding solutions to pipeline vandalism in the the area.

“I thank PINL for bringing us here and we urge all of us to support them because as INC and IYC, we have agreed amongst ourselves that we won’t go on violent struggles anymore, we’ll go on civil engagements, ” he said.

On his part, President of Ijaw Youths Council, IYC, Jonathan Lokpobiri, commended PINL for nipping in the bud most of the problems that have bedeviled communities in the region.

He praised the collaboration between the company and security agencies in addressing issues of environmental devastation.

” I’m happy to acknowledge that PINL has been able to help our communities nip the issues of environmental devastation in the bud through, collaboration and the effort they are putting in by working with security agencies; and other people of goodwill that genuinely care for the Niger Delta environment, ” Lokpobiri said.

The IYC leader lauded stakeholders who have been supportive of the company’s activities in ensuring a vandalism-free region.

Also speaking, Chairman of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Mr Bulodisiye Ndiwari acknowledged that in the last two months, the area has not recorded any case of oil theft or pipeline vandalism.

He also appreciated the company for building the capacity of the region through its skills and empowerment programme for youths and women.

“We want to appreciate you for this women empowerment and for the scholarship scheme that will take off very soon. You are building the capacity of Bayelsans, Niger Delta and Ijaw nation” Odiwari said.

Meanwhile, the Project Monitoring Office (PMO) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) in a goodwill message assured the company that it is in support of their stakeholders’ collaboration in combating pipeline vandalism.

By David Owei,Bayelsa

The Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC), yesterday, commissioned a state-of- art strategic naval base in Ayakoro, Ogbia LGA, Bayelsa state.

NDDC Managing Director/CEO Dr Samuel Ogbuku, in an address, assured the people of the Niger-Delta region of President Ahmed Tinubus’ love, stressing his determination to develop the region.

His words, “I stand here to tell the people of this region that Mr President is a believer and a lover of the Niger-Delta. He is doing everything possible to ensure that the region is developed”.

Ogbuku justified siting of the naval base in Ayakoro saying, it was strategic because of its critical positioning as a gateway “for kidnappers and all those involved in illegal oil bunkering, artisanal oil refining.”

Continuing, “this particular location was chosen by the Nigerian Navy because of its critical positioning. From this junction because there a creek that takes you to Sangana in Southern Ijaw, and if this point is not blocked our safety would be challenged.In the past, kidnappers and all those involved in illegal oil bunkering and artisanal oil refining carry their products from this place through Onuebum, so with this facility here, that puts a stop to criminality through this area.”

He said the partnership with the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies across the Niger-Delta region was informed by the reasoning that security and development are intertwined.

He praised the security agencies for their sacrifices and ensuring projects are completed on schedule, adding that “they are the ones out there ensuring that we sleep peacefully, and because they have done their jobs very well that is why you see projects springing up across the Niger-Delta region.”

He claimed that the Niger-Delta is the most peaceful region in Nigeria due mainly to the efforts of security agencies, adding that in the past many contractors were scared of working in many parts of the region due to insecurity.

His words, “If not for their support, we would not be able to carry out these projects to conclusion.There was a time when contractors were afraid of going to certain parts of the Niger-Delta due to the fear of militants and criminals but today I can tell you that the Niger-Delta is one of the most peaceful regions in Nigeria due to the active performances of security agents in the region”.

He praised President Ahmed Tinubu for putting together “these officers and men that have worked tirelessly in the region to promote peace”.

According to him, President Tinubu gave the NDDC board marching orders upon assumption of office for a “reformed and renewed NDDC”, stressing that the board has strictly adhered to the KPI’s and directives of Mr President which has resulted in impactful projects being delivered.

He highlighted other areas of NDDC’s intervention to include Education, Agriculture, Infrastructure and other areas, adding that a 750 bed hostel accommodation in Niger-Delta University, Amassoma, which will be completed in November 2025, was one of such interventions.

The projects unveiled includes a fully furnished administrative block, a fully furnished accommodation block, a fully furnished 40 man houseboat equipped with two units 100 kva hp generator, two gunboats with two units 200 kva Yamaha generators, a 60 kva solar inverter systems installed in both the administrative and accommodation blocks as back up power supply, a 30 kva solar inverter installed in the 40-man houseboat as backup power supply, and full option Toyota Hilux for operational use, a newly built operational floating jetty, a set of satellite radio receivers for proper and effective communication.

Clever Akpotu, a community leader, said the event was a clear testament of the determination of the current administration to enhance security in the waterways.

He expressed gratitude for the appointment of Dr Samuel Ogbuku who hails from the community as helmsman of the regional interventionist agency.

He said crime has greatly reduced in the Ekole creek due to the presence of the naval base in Ayakoro community.

Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral I. Abbas, represented by Rear Admiral Noel Madugu, said the provision of the naval base was a demonstration of a clear understanding of the security needs of the coastal communities and the critical role the Navy plays in protecting lives, livelihoods and economic assets in the region.

Bayelsa Governor, Senator Douye Diri represented by an aide, Brigadier General Eric Angaye (retd), said

The ceremony attracted dignitaries including Bayelsa Governor, Senator Douye Diri, Managing Director/ CEO, Dr Samuel Ogbuku and his management team, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral I Abbas, Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Aliyu Gaya, Commander, NNS SOROH, Commodore Omobamidele Akinbami, traditional institution.

By Ifeatu Agbu

A symbolic edifice for grassroots development was added to the skylines of Warri with the recent commissioning of a model state office of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, in the oil and gas hub of Delta State.

The new office complex is a significant milestone in NDDC’s drive to strengthen administrative presence and development delivery across the Niger Delta region.

Before now, the Commission had carried out its activities in Delta State from a rented building. It is, therefore, significant that it now has a permanent office address.

Moving into its own home represents a renewed move by NDDC to decentralise its operations, enhance service delivery, and reaffirm its core mission of transforming the oil-rich Delta into a region of shared prosperity and sustainable development.

The modern facility in Warri has been aptly described as a symbol of progress and institutional renewal, designed to enhance coordination and efficiency in implementing infrastructure, education, health, and empowerment initiatives within Delta State.

Indeed, the NDDC has state offices in the nine states of the Niger Delta region, but most of the offices are in rented buildings. The exceptions are Abia, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers states. Expectedly, the offices are meant to facilitate regional development. They serve as a bridge between the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt and the local communities, ensuring that projects and programmes are tailored to meet specific state needs.

The Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who commissioned the Warri office complex, maintained that it is a symbol of “shared commitment to development, inclusion, and service delivery.”

According to him, “the project is a clear reflection of shared responsibility and purposeful governance, and actual progress happens when institutions work together to bring impact closer to the people.”

Oborevwori called on the NDDC to strengthen collaboration with the Delta State Government in addressing critical infrastructure gaps, particularly federal roads, while investing more in education and healthcare.

He advocated a strategic alliance between the NDDC and state governments to rehabilitate critical federal roads across the region.

The Governor expressed his readiness to partner with the NDDC on the Omadino-Warri-Escravos Road, disclosing that a joint meeting between the state government, Chevron, and the Commission is scheduled for early next month to outline the next steps.

The project, which the NDDC initiated over a decade ago, now stands as a testament to the government’s renewed commitment to grassroots development and collaboration in the region.

He affirmed that the office complex represented a reaffirmation of shared dedication to bringing development closer to the people.

Oborevwori commended the NDDC boss for his visionary leadership and commitment to development, stating that the new office would reinforce institutional stability and renewed purpose.

The governor further lauded President Bola Tinubu for his Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that it had strengthened state finances, fostered inclusivity, and restored public confidence in governance.

Governor Oborevwori commended the NDDC for its sustained collaboration with state governments, emphasising that synergy between development agencies and local administrations is vital for delivering the dividends of democracy.

In his remarks, the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, stated that President Tinubu had directed the NDDC to complete all abandoned projects in the region.

He cited successes such as the restoration of electricity in Okitipupa in Ondo State after 15 years and the construction of key bridges and substations.

Momoh urged NDDC staff to maintain the new facilities and remain non-partisan while ensuring equitable service delivery to all Niger Delta communities.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to collaborate with Delta and other Niger Delta states to achieve sustainable development.

He averred: “Partnership remains the foundation of the commission’s success. The NDDC Board provides strategic guidance and direction to management in executing their daily responsibilities. A key example is the adoption of KPMG’s working document, which now guides our implementation processes and internal reforms.”

He noted that the Board had strengthened the NDDC governance system by adopting a new transparency framework developed with KPMG.

On his part, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said the new Delta State office in Delta signified the commission’s shift “from transaction to transformation,” adding that it would serve as a hub for improved service delivery.

He declared: “We are ambassadors of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. What you see here today is proof that we are inspired to deliver real results.”

The NDDC boss stated that the era of abandoned projects in the Niger Delta was over, stressing that the commission was now focused on completing all inherited projects across the region.

He reaffirmed the NDDC’s commitment to building strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing the quality of life for the people of the Niger Delta.

Ogbuku highlighted the gains from the collaboration between NDDC and the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) on ₦650 billion worth of infrastructure projects and assured that the NDDC was committed to timely project completion.

Addressing past failures, Ogbuku stated, “It’s not our fault that projects were abandoned in the past. It was political instability of the board of the NDDC that caused it.”

He also thanked President Tinubu, noting he has “funded the NDDC more than any President since the agency was created.”

Ogbuku also acknowledged the unwavering support of the National Assembly, noting: “The National Assembly has consistently supported us by ensuring the timely passage of our Appropriation Bill, which has enabled us to deliver on our mandate more effectively.”

He noted that the new office represents more than a physical structure; “it is a hub for innovation, transparency, and closer engagement with communities.”

Ogbuku stated: “Today, we celebrate the institutionalisation of the NDDC in Delta State, and we are pleased to see the people of Warri turn out in large numbers to witness this historic occasion. This marks the third state office we have commissioned, starting with Cross River State, followed by Bayelsa, and now Delta State.”

The NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Dr Victor Antai, gave the project brief and explained that the building was fitted with modern facilities. The new office complex is actually a prototype of the one in Rivers State, commissioned on Tuesday, July 12, 2016, by the then Acting Managing Director, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari.

On that occasion, she expressed relief that the NDDC staff in the Rivers State office could work in an elaborate environment deliberately textured for maximum output.

She stated: “As we commission the Rivers State office, we celebrate a significant milestone and our commitment to making a difference in the lives of the people of the Niger Delta region and our staff. We decided to ensure that we exit all rented accommodation at the headquarters and across all the states to enable us to conserve scarce resources, which we should be using to develop our communities.

“The NDDC is transforming the skyline of our host communities for the better. This edifice was designed and completed with the staff in mind. It has provisions for several facilities, including a large reception hall, conference/multi-purpose hall for 250 people, staff canteen, sick bay and offices for drivers on the ground floor. Each of its four floors has ample space for offices.

According to Semenitari, “the Rivers State Office would accommodate about 120 members of staff, with unique office suites for the State Representative and the Director of the state office. Additionally, it includes provisions for key Head Office Directorates. It is indeed a worker’s delight!
I saw that the workers of the Commission needed an office accommodation that would support their specific needs. We soon hit the ground running, tasking both the contractor and the project consultant with an exit date. I concluded that if we must demand absolute service from the Rivers State office workers to the Commission and, by implication, to the people, we must provide them with the tools.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on NDDC, Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, commended the NDDC Board and Management and urged them not to rest on their oars.

Speaking in a similar vein, the Chairman of the House Committee on NDDC, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, congratulated the NDDC management for significantly impacting the lives of Niger Deltans.

For Senator Ned Nwoko, the new office complex “reflects the renewed commitment to efficient service delivery, transparency, and people-centred governance in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said: “The new NDDC State Office is more than just a physical structure; it symbolises a stronger and more responsive institution dedicated to driving sustainable development and improving the lives of our people across the Niger Delta.”

Sharing this sentiment, the Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Council, Chief Anthony Ofoni, affirmed that the NDDC’s new structure is a symbol of renewed collaboration between the Federal and State Governments aimed at attracting more development to the state, thereby improving the lives of people at the grassroots.