Blessing Ibunge in Port HarcourtNigeria’s drive to become Africa’s energy hub received a fresh boost yesterday, as Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) said improved pipeline security is strengthening investor confidence, supporting major gas infrastructure projects and contributing to rising oil and gas sector performance. “World-class energy infrastructure can only thrive where pipelines are secure, communities are peaceful and stakeholders work together,” Mezeh said. Mezeh disclosed that Nigeria’s strategic gas projects are nearing completion, with the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) Gas Pipeline now 98 per cent completed ahead of first gas this month, while the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline has reached 94 percent completion. Chairman of the South-South Monarchs Forum, King Sergeant Awuse, praised PINL for transforming pipeline security through community engagement, saying incidents of vandalism had reduced significantly since the company assumed responsibility for protecting the assets. Awuse also urged the federal government to sustain support for the company, noting that improved pipeline security has contributed to higher oil production and increased national revenue.