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Pipeline Surveillance: Group Warns Sponsors Of False Allegations Against PINL To Desist

Published

2 years ago

January 10, 2024

A group known as Warri Urban Security Network(WUSN), has berated those sponsoring a body its regarded as ‘fictitious’, which it said is bent to dent the “good reputation” of Pipeline Infrastructures Nigerian Limited (PINL).

This as WUSN described allegations made against the firm by the allegedly sponsored body known as National Awareness Forum (NAF), as false, baseless and unfounded.

Reacting to an online media reports by NAF calling for the termination of pipeline security contract awarded PINL , in a statement issued yesterday, WUSN urged the public to disregard the report, saying there was no iota of truth in the claims.

In a statement signed by the WUSN chairman,Chief Frank Onoriode, and secretary ,Barrister Dafe Okpako, Chairman and Secretary respectively, the however expressed the need to set the record straight, “inorder to correct the falsehood being peddled by the sponsors of NAF publications to discredit the remarkable performance of PINL in securing the nation’s critical assets within its areas of responsibility across the country.”

The Security Watch group who had been at the forefront of advocacy for a secured Warri metropolis in the last ten years, noted that it decided to correct the false allegations made by those behind NAF publication based on the determination not to compromise security of oil facilities within its coverage area for the selfish interest of few.

The statement reads: “The attention of the above named organization has been drawn to a sponsored online publication by a fictitious group, “National Awareness Forum (NAF) Calling for revocation of the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Pipeline Infrastructures Nigeria Limited (PINL), and wish to categorically set the record straight, particularly in areas where we felt the publication presented false claim from an uninformed perspective”.

“While we initially wanted to ignore the said publication because the issues raised were not only laughable but lacks credibility in all its ramifications, we have however decided to correct certain wrong impressions made inorder to disabuse the minds of the public by setting the record straight for a better understanding”.

“First, we wish to make it clear that contrary to claim of increasing rates of pipeline vandalism in parts of Rivers ad Imo states where the surveillance contract to PINL covers, this is a false claim as we have it on good authority that the security outfit had kept activities within its areas of responsibility under check and the records are there for verification”.

“On the claim that the Trans-forcados pipeline in Deltas state, had witnessed series of attacks in recent time, we also object to this, as it had become evident that some criminal elements had been sponsored by some individuals equally handling pipeline surveillance in the region inorder to create the wrong impression that PINL cannot measure up.

“Contrary to the report, the TFP remained the most reliable pipeline within the western corridor with minimal downtime recovery factor of over 98%. It is also important to note that the availability of pipeline is attributed to PINL robust deployment and technical prowess.

“As a Security Watch group that had operated within Warri area in the last one decade, we can attest to the fact that PINL had done creditably well, particularly with its intervention in curbing pipe line vandalism and oil theft has changed the narrative hitherto to the wanton theft of the past”.

“The NNPCL renewal of PINL contract had also laid credence to the fact that PINL had succeeded and as one of Nigeria most reputable oil and gas asset Protection Company with the innovations and dynamism it’s bringing to bear in achieving this feat”.

“We want to remind those behind the sponsored report that in 2022 showed PINL has carried out stealth operations and arrest of notorious bunkerers within the hotspot region with over 188 arrest made so far, 148 persons prosecuted while 59 persons have been convicted and remanded in prisons , a milestone deserving commendation.

“For the purpose of educating the public more, it is on record that PINL intercepted and destroyed over 43 large cargo boats in zone 1 and 2 , and several vehicles and motor cycles also interdicted in zone 3, 4 and 5”.

“PINL intervention in protecting, maintaining of the Trans Niger Pipeline, (TNP) in the Eastern corridor is yielding appreciable results thereby contributing to the Gross Domestic Earning and rise in oil production”.

“The TNP corridor network conveys and produced hydrocarbons from eastern Niger Delta region assets to Bonny oil and gas terminal”.

“In an obvious demonstration of its achievements and successes recorded in the sector, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited & JV Partners in 2022 renewed its scope of work”.

“Parts of the scope include the provision of maritime security services, provision of maritime logistics, provision of security logistics including tugboat and speed boats, pipeline repair and maintenance (excluding sectional replacement of sections of the pipeline”.

“Others are Host community engagement, pipeline security and surveillance, progress report and photographs, periodic maintenance of right of way in the service area, provision of manpower and personnel, and administration of the services”.

“As one of the giants in the sector PINL has carried over 99 percent deployments of assets across the various sections of the TNP. It has also completed pipeline security asset deployment of houseboats, Rapid Response Boat (RRBs), military camps, operational Hilux and Patrol boats to provide security over watch at their respective dedicated pipeline asset location from zone 1.9”

“The massive deployment efficiency of PINL saw the successful destruction of illegal refinery, arrest of pipeline vandals along the TNP prow, confiscation and burning of impounded vehicles and boats among other successes”.

News

PHOTOS: Brazil Welcomes Tinubu With Full Military Honours In Brasília

Published

10 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

Brazil on Monday rolled out full military honours at the Planalto Palace in Brasília to receive President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this on X on Monday.

Onanuga said Tinubu was welcomed by his host, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

He wrote, “More photos of the official reception for President Tinubu at the Planalto Palace in Brasília, Monday, August 25, 2025. Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva welcomed President Bola Tinubu with full military honours.”

News

Tinubu Signs Direct Flight, Other Agreements With Brazil

Published

10 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed a landmark Bilateral Air Service Agreement with Brazil, signalling the establishment of direct air links between Nigeria and South America’s largest economy.

The agreement was formalised on Monday during Tinubu’s official state visit to Brasília.

Media aide to the minister, Tunde Moshood, made this known through a statement, made available to The PUNCH.

At the signing ceremony which was witnessed by Messrs Nigerian President, Tinubu and the Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasilia also had the Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho, also signed for the host country.

The BASA creates a new framework for direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil, with the potential to significantly enhance trade, tourism, investment, and diplomatic relations.

The statement further noted that, “ It also marks a key step in Nigeria’s broader efforts to strengthen international partnerships and improve global connectivity.”

Tinubu had arrived in Brazil with a delegation that included Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; and other senior government officials.

According to the statement, the Brazilian President welcomed the agreement, expressing his administration’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria in sectors such as aviation, agriculture, and infrastructure.

He described the BASA as a reflection of the strong ties between both countries and an opportunity to deepen economic and cultural collaboration.

Tinubu is also scheduled to hold meetings with key Brazilian government officials, including the President of the Senate, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

The two-day visit will include high-level discussions between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, as both nations explore opportunities for mutual growth and development.

The statement reads, “The ongoing state visit will also see President Tinubu meeting the President of the Brazilian Senate at the National Congress, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

“The working visit, which continues tomorrow, will also feature high-level engagements between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, underscoring both nations’ commitment to building a future of mutual growth and prosperity.”

News

NAFDAC Warns Of Fake Postinor-2 In Circulation

Published

11 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control on Monday issued a public alert, warning the public about confirmed counterfeit batches of Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75 mg) now circulating in Nigeria.

The alert follows a report from the Society for Family Health, the marketing authorisation holder, confirming that they did not import the suspect batches.

Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) is a brand of emergency contraceptive pill containing the active ingredient levonorgestrel.

NAFDAC revealed there are noticeable labelling discrepancies between the authentic and fake products.

It said, “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) hereby notifies the public of falsified Type 1 and 2 batches of POSTINOR 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) product in circulation.

“The noticeable difference was found to be as follows: The font size of the text on the pin verification sticker appears smaller and has a wrong spelling of the word Veify instead of Verify on the fake; meanwhile, the text font on the sticker of the original appears bigger and more visible. There is also a wrong spelling behind the pack of the fake “Distnibuted in Nigeria” instead of distributed in Nigeria”, NAFDAC said.

NAFDAC identified the original Postinor-2 as batch T32458H, manufactured in February 2023 with an expiry date of February 2027 and registration number 04-6985.

The agency, however, confirmed two falsified versions: Counterfeit Product (Type 1), batch T36184B, manufactured in August 2024 with an expiry date of August 2028; and Counterfeit Product (Type 2), batch 332, manufactured in March 2023 with an expiry date of February 2027, both carrying the registration number 04-6985.

It said that due to the potential presence of incorrect, substandard, or harmful ingredients, improper dosages of levonorgestrel, and a lack of sterile manufacturing conditions, poses significant risks to individual health and public safety.

“The risks of administering falsified Postinor 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) include failure of contraceptive effect, toxic or harmful contaminants, unpredictable side effects, delayed or missed opportunity for genuine emergency contraception, and potential long-term reproductive health impact. Unexpected side effects: Unknown substances can trigger allergic reactions, organ damage, or death.

“Counterfeit medicines are unregulated, untested, and illegal, making their safety and efficacy impossible to guarantee. Patients should only obtain Postinor-2 from verified pharmacies or licensed healthcare providers.

“Although Investigations are still ongoing regarding the source of the falsified product, all NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to carry out surveillance and mop up the falsified product of type 1 and 2 postinor 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) within the zones and states,” it added.

NAFDAC urged consumers and healthcare providers to verify PIN stickers carefully, report suspected counterfeit products, and always purchase medications from reputable sources.