Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), the private security firm in charge of protecting the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) and Eastern Gas Network (EGN), has rolled out a major empowerment programme for 3,000 women drawn from 216 host communities across Rivers, Bayelsa, Imo and Abia States.

The initiative, announced during PINL’s monthly stakeholders engagement in Port Harcourt, saw beneficiaries receiving cheques ranging from N250,000 to N1,000,000 to support and expand their small and medium-scale businesses.The General Manager, Community and Stakeholders Relations of PINL, Dr.

Akpos Mezeh, explained that the empowerment scheme is part of the company’s appreciation for the cooperation of host communities in the fight against pipeline vandalism.

He stressed that the communities remain central to PINL’s operations and success, especially in achieving reduced or zero infractions on critical oil and gas infrastructure.

He also used the opportunity to advise youths across the region to stay away from vandalism and other criminal activities, encouraging them to take advantage of opportunities provided by the company to improve their livelihoods.Stakeholders at the event commended PINL for its consistent community engagement and empowerment programmes.

Traditional rulers and community leaders, including the King of Emohua Kingdom, HRM Eze Seargent Awuse, praised the company for combining security operations with social development.Similarly, the Ada Ekpeye-Logbo, Dr.

Patricia Ogbonnaya, appreciated the inclusion of women in the empowerment scheme and noted positive environmental improvements in some communities, including the return of fish species previously affected by pollution.Beneficiaries also expressed gratitude and promised to utilise the funds productively to grow their businesses and improve household income.The company further noted it has a monitoring system in place to ensure proper use and sustainability of the empowerment support.