By Ogadinma Wokoma, Port Harcourt
National News – Nigeria has exceeded its OPEC production quota for the first time in 2026, with indigenous operator Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) emerging as one of the key drivers of the recovery along the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP).
Figures released by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) on June 11 showed that national oil output rose by 2.2 per cent in May, increasing from 1.66 million barrels per day in April to about 1.70 million barrels per day. Crude oil production averaged 1.53 million barrels per day, surpassing the country’s OPEC quota of 1.5 million barrels per day for the first time this year.
The improved performance featured prominently at a stakeholders’ meeting convened by PINL in Port Harcourt for host communities in Rivers, Imo and Abia states, where traditional rulers called for greater institutional support for the company’s efforts in keeping the pipeline operational.
PINL’s General Manager, Community and Stakeholder Relations, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, attributed the gains to improved operational stability along the TNP, stronger community participation and a shared commitment among government agencies, security operatives and host communities to combat crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
“The Trans Niger Pipeline continues to record remarkable operational stability,” he said, adding that more reliable infrastructure was boosting government revenue, strengthening energy security and enhancing investor confidence.
Chairman of the South-South Monarchs Forum and Paramount Ruler of Emohua Kingdom, Eze Sergeant Awuse, warned that the prevailing peace in oil-producing communities could be undermined by saboteurs.
“Some people who are not patriotic enough will want to spoil your good works,” he said. “This is the time the National Security Adviser and relevant agencies should give you more support because if our oil production goes down, it will affect every aspect of governance.”
The King of Eleme Kingdom, His Majesty Dr. Philip Obele Osaro, said PINL’s intervention programmes had helped reduce youth restiveness and noted that increased funding would further expand youth and women empowerment initiatives across host communities.
Also speaking, Engr. Akponime Omojewvhe, Head of Field Operations for the Eastern Corridor at NNPCL’s Project Monitoring Office, urged communities to promptly report suspicious activities, stressing that timely intelligence remained crucial to safeguarding the corridor.
Stakeholders from various pipeline host communities who attended the meeting commended PINL for its efforts and encouraged the company to sustain its interventions. They also called on the Federal Government to provide additional support to facilitate the execution of development projects in their communities.
