OPEC Quota: Nigeria’s Rising Oil Output Driven by Stronger Pipeline Security on Trans Niger Pipeline – PINL
Nigeria’s crude oil production has surged beyond its OPEC quota, with stakeholders attributing the improvement to enhanced security operations on the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP). Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) says its surveillance efforts, alongside community and security collaboration, have played a key role in stabilising output across major oil corridors.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, PINL’s General Manager for Community and Stakeholder Relations, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, explained that the production gains reflect stronger protection of critical infrastructure and increased participation from host communities across Rivers, Imo, and Abia States. He noted that improved stability on the TNP has boosted confidence in Nigeria’s upstream operations and supported higher national output levels.
Mezeh highlighted that key production channels such as Bonny and Forcados terminals have maintained strong performance, while offshore assets continue to contribute steadily to national crude output. According to him, the progress is not accidental but the result of coordinated action between government agencies, security forces, industry operators, and local communities working together to curb crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.
He also confirmed that recent incidents affecting pipeline infrastructure, including a reported attack on the TNP around the Odau axis in Abua/Odual Local Government Area, have been escalated to security authorities for investigation. He warned that attacks on critical oil infrastructure carry serious environmental and economic consequences, including pollution risks and threats to livelihoods in host communities.
Community leaders and traditional rulers present at the meeting praised PINL’s engagement model, noting that it has helped reduce youth restiveness and improve stability in oil-producing areas. The Chairman of the South South Monarchs Forum, King Sergeant Awuse, and the King of Eleme Kingdom, Dr. Philip Obele Osaro, both called for stronger support for security efforts and expanded empowerment programmes. Meanwhile, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) urged communities to report suspicious activities early to protect vital energy infrastructure and sustain production growth.
source: This day