Nigerian gas pipeline communities issue ultimatum to NNPCL and PINL

Host communities along the Eastern Gas Pipeline Network have issued a two-week ultimatum to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) to settle three months of unpaid surveillance arrears.

Traditional rulers, community leaders, and surveillance contractors from Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States expressed frustration over the delayed payments to guards and stakeholders responsible for protecting critical gas infrastructure. Spokesperson and paramount ruler Eze Wagbara Peter warned that the continued delay could undermine the goodwill and confidence established between the communities and the companies.

In addition to the outstanding payments, the communities demanded greater inclusion in corporate social responsibility initiatives, including scholarship programs, youth empowerment, and women empowerment schemes implemented by NNPCL and PINL.