Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has launched an empowerment initiative that will provide business support to 2,000 women across 215 communities along the Eastern Corridor of the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP). The scheme, implemented in partnership with Premium Trust Bank, forms part of the company’s ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility efforts to strengthen livelihoods in its host communities in Rivers, Bayelsa, Abia, and Imo States.
Speaking during a data-capturing session for beneficiaries from Rivers, Abia, and Imo States in Port Harcourt, General Manager of Community Relations and Stakeholders Engagement at PINL, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, said the program was designed to recognize and reward the critical role women play in combating pipeline vandalism.
“Today is a day set aside by the company to say thank you to the women,” Mezeh said. “The women play a critical role in the fight against pipeline vandalism because our operations are intelligence-driven. The women have supported us in different ways by providing viable information with which we wage this war against crude theft.”
Under the scheme, four women from each of the 215 communities will receive business support grants and mentorship to help them strengthen and expand their small-scale enterprises. Mezeh added that the initiative will run alongside PINL’s ongoing youth scholarship and skills acquisition programs.
“From every community, we are giving business support grants to four women, totaling 215 communities. This is to complement the scholarship program and the skill acquisition program that is going on simultaneously,” he said.
The business grants will be paid directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts, while the company has engaged professionals to monitor their progress and equip them with financial literacy skills. PINL said the initiative will be implemented annually as part of its long-term community development plan.
During the verification and screening exercise, several beneficiaries expressed optimism about the opportunity.
Francisca Nkechi Okanma from Okohia in Abia State said the program would help women boost their income and support their families. “We have submitted our BVN and account number. We came back for verification to be sure the details we submitted are ours. We’re waiting for them to empower us so we can make use of the money and help our husbands to train our children,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Bridget Nnadiwe from Mmabele Autonomous Community in Rivers State, said she hopes to expand her business once she receives the grant. “If they give me the money, I’ll leave my kiosk and rent a shop and buy more goods,” she said.
With its structured annual support, mentorship provisions, and financial literacy component, PINL’s Women Employment and Empowerment Scheme is expected to strengthen small businesses across TNP communities, improve household income, and deepen community collaboration in safeguarding energy infrastructure.
