By Eric Moore
IJAW stakeholders have appealed to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to carry out an upward review of the contract awarded to the Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), saying the company’s operational approach is instrumental to the peace in the Niger Delta.
Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND), in a statement signed by its National President, Kennedy Tonjo-West, on Saturday, said an expanded contract would enable PINL consolidate its gains in the region
Tonjo-West observed that the company had been consistent and proactive in engaging Niger Delta stakeholders to give host communities sense of belonging to guarantee pipeline protection in the region.
He said such approach had helped PINL to address community challenges, enhance operational performance and ensure robust relationship with the grassroots and relevant government agencies.
Tonjo-West said PINL was able to implement social investments based on thorough community needs assessments and achieve near-zero infractions on critical pipeline infrastructures due to their existing healthy relationship with the communities,
He said the continual engagement enabled the company to foster peaceful and business-friendly environment; ensure prompt payment of contractors and vendors and facilitate sustainable conflict resolution mechanisms.
Tonjo-West said: “We consider their approach as one that breeds healthy cohesion and as key stakeholders, we reaffirm our vote of confidence in PINL’s friendly disposition and commitment to positive stakeholder engagement strategies.
“In light of prevailing economic realities and the need to attain laid down targets such as increase in oil production, we strongly urge the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) to consider an upward review of PINL’s contract reach and value to sustain and enhance these gains.
“We applaud the Executive Director of PINL and his dedicated team for their outstanding performance and unwavering commitment to peace and progress in the Niger Delta.”