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Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has disbursed more than N2 billion in scholarship grants to over 1,500 students drawn from its host communities across Rivers, Bayelsa, Imo and Abia States, in a move aimed at expanding educational access and strengthening relations with pipeline host communities.
The scholarship intervention covers 216 communities located along the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) and Eastern Gas Network (EGN), with each undergraduate beneficiary receiving N500,000, while postgraduate students received N1 million each.
The cheques were formally presented on Wednesday during PINL’s April monthly stakeholders’ meeting held in Port Harcourt.
Scholarship support tied to community partnership
Speaking at the event, PINL’s General Manager, Community and Stakeholder Relations, Akpos Mezeh, said the scholarship scheme is part of the company’s commitment to rewarding communities that have supported the protection of critical oil and gas infrastructure.
According to him, the intervention is a direct appreciation to host communities for their cooperation in safeguarding pipelines against vandalism and illegal activities.
He noted that the N2 billion scholarship disbursement is separate from other interventions already being implemented by the company, including women empowerment initiatives and skill acquisition programmes.
Mezeh also urged youths in host communities to reject pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft, stressing that protecting national assets creates broader economic benefits for both the communities and the country.
Push for higher oil production
The company said improved collaboration with host communities has contributed significantly to operational stability across its pipeline corridors.
Mezeh disclosed that there has been zero infraction recorded across PINL’s operational areas, a development he linked to stronger community engagement and vigilance.
He added that the current stability is helping Nigeria move closer to the Federal Government’s crude oil production target of 2 million barrels per day, noting that output has already risen to about 1.8 million barrels daily.
Beneficiaries commend initiative
One of the beneficiaries, Donald Justice, a postgraduate student at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, described the scholarship as life-changing.
He said the support has eased the burden of financing his studies and restored hope to many students who previously lacked the means to continue their education.
Justice added that the gesture would inspire him to support others in future when he is in a position to do so.
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