By Angela Atabo
The Management of Pipeline Infrastructures Nigeria Limited,has reassured Nigerians of inclusivity and neutrality in carrying out contracts in the Niger Delta region.
Dr Benson Onuwaje, the Delta State Coordinator of Pipeline Infrastructures Nigeria Limited, and Akpos Mezeh,Public Relations Officer of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited made this known in a statement jointly signed by them.
Onuwaje said that contrary to rumours going round that the Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited was allegedly bias in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited( NNPCL) Pipeline Protection Contracts in the Niger-Delta,the company stands for integrity.
He said that there was need to address the spurious and unsubstantiated allegations fabricated and circulated by some faceless groups and individuals in order to clear some lies.
“Ordinarily, the management of Pipeline Infrastructures Nigeria Limited would not have engaged in a public dispute with them, so as not to give them undeserved attention and publicity. However, lies, if not corrected, may be taken as truth so we find it necessary to address these allegations.
“We are not here to shy away from scrutiny; instead, we challenge those who are the real instigators behind these falsehoods to have the courage to reveal their true identities. This will enable us to invite them to a roundtable engagement with the relevant authorities.
“During this meeting, we can discuss the exceptional performance of Pipeline Infrastructures Nigeria Limited, supported by concrete facts and figures.
” We will also highlight the knowledge of our achievements by our employers and government at various levels in the Niger Delta, particularly regarding pipeline security and surveillance.”
Onuwaje said that these efforts have resulted in improved output in crude oil and gas production.
He said that “We want to unequivocally state that Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited remains steadfast in our commitment to excellence, particularly along the coast of the Niger Delta.
” We are confident that our operations are significantly contributing to the region’s development.”
Onuwaje said that since taking control of the Trans-Forcados pipeline, the company’s operations had contributed to Delta state’s status as the leading oil-producing state in Nigeria.
He added that the pipelines were functioning optimally, providing substantial benefits to various entities and the communities they serve.
” We categorically reject this false and fabricated news circulating about our contracts. We implore those making this baseless claims to educate themselves on the intricacies of our operations before making unfounded accusations.
” If anyone wishes to discuss these matters, we invite them to witness first-hand the facilities we’ve established in Trans-Forcados, NNPC, and MM40, all of which have brought peace to the region.”
Onuwaje said the company believed in inclusivity adding that the Niger-Delta does not belong to any particular but for all so it was essential to recognize and embrace inclusivity.
“As part of our engagement, we have provided boats and created employment opportunities for the youth in the communities on our right of ways and others in the catchment areas.
“These resources are integral to our operations and underscore our dedication to community development.
“Inclusivity is crucial in the Niger-Delta, and we should learn how to accommodate one another without resorting to media blackmail “Onuwaje said