FG Moves to Resume Oil Production in Ogoniland as PINL Brokers Peace in Bodo Community

The Federal Government’s plans to resume crude oil production in Ogoniland targeting 200,000 barrels per day, got a major boost on Thursday as Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) brokered a landmark peace deal among warring factions in Bodo community, Gokana LGA of Rivers State.

The deal ends decades of intra-community conflict that had hindered oil production and local development. Bodo, a key hub in the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) network, has long been plagued by violence over control of oil related benefits.

PINL, which oversees pipeline surveillance across the TNP’s eastern corridor, has led peacebuilding efforts in its 215 host communities, achieving 100% daily pipeline throughput. The Bodo breakthrough is one of its most significant interventions yet.

Stakeholders at the peace meeting included the Paramount Ruler of Bodo, HRH King John B. Berebon, political and youth leaders, officials of PINL, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, National Security Adviser’s Office, DSS, and the Project Management Office (PMO).

Hon. Eddie Julius, Special Adviser to the Minister of Petroleum (Oil) on Host Communities, hailed the peace accord as crucial to Nigeria’s goal of producing 2.5 million barrels of crude oil per day. “What we’ve achieved today will yield results in the coming months,” he said.

Representing the NSA’s office, Young Harry Amakiri warned that anyone who disrupts oil production going forward will face legal consequences. “This peace accord is a turning point. Violators will be prosecuted like oil thieves,” he stressed.

Dr. Akpos Mezeh, PINL’s GM of Community Relations, explained that Bodo surveillance jobs had been outsourced due to unrest but would now return to locals. “It’s now up to the community to ensure security and accountability,” he said.

HRH King Berebon pledged his support for the peace deal and vowed to protect national assets, including the TNP. “As a traditional ruler, I will never condone sabotage of the nation’s economy,” he stated.

Former SSGs Dr. Gabriel Pidomson and Chief Kenneth Kobani, who played key roles in the reconciliation, urged continued engagement and equitable treatment for Bodo, in line with other host communities.

The event ended with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between PINL and the Bodo community, marking a new chapter for peace, security, and development in Ogoniland.