By Prosper Okoye
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s energy sector have called for the adoption of cutting-edge pipeline technologies to curb vandalism and optimise production. This issue was at the forefront during the recent Nigeria International Pipeline Technology and Security Conference (NIPITECS) in Abuja.
According to the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Hon. Al-Hassan Ado Doguwa, Nigeria must take necessary steps, such as advancing pipeline production and installation technologies, to maximise the benefits of the current era of fossil fuel usage.
“The world is transitioning to cleaner energies, and whether we like it or not, we must transition, regardless of our pace. It is, therefore, important that we utilise our petroleum and gas resources to explore and build other cleaner forms of energy. However, we cannot achieve this if we continue to experience losses due to the vandalism of our pipelines,” he said.
Hon. Al-Hassan further expressed regret that technology alone may not bring about the desired growth due to the significant deficit of trust among Nigerians.
“The lack of trust in our country, both from the leaders and the led, leads to unpatriotic actions such as the theft of our common resources. This affects the entire system. As long as we don’t have trust, we should forget about progress,” he stated.
However, Al-Hassan assured that the legislature would continue to create laws that address the vulnerabilities of people in host communities, ensure they are well protected, and address any grievances.
“The PIA is not cast in stone. We will continue to review the laws in the petroleum sector while taking cognisance of the changing environment.”
NIPITECS is an annual conference organised by the Pipeline Professionals Association of Nigeria (PLAN) that brings together stakeholders and experts in the energy sector to discuss and propose solutions to Nigeria’s energy challenges. The theme for 2024 is “Pipelines – Critical Assets for National Economic Development and Environmental Sustainability.”
PLAN’s Chairman, Engr. Geoff Onuha, emphasised the importance of recognising the role of pipelines in Nigeria’s energy mix. “Pipelines are crucial for energy, power, and oil production. We tend to bury and forget about them, but if anything happens to them, we realise that production cannot take place. We cannot sell our oil because, from the well to where it is stored, or to the tanker where it will be used, pipelines are essential,” he explained.
Furthermore, he argued that the number of pipelines a country has determines how much power it can generate, which, in turn, affects the overall quality of life of its citizens, as measured by all human development indices.
Engr. Onuha also noted that the conference serves as an avenue for public information, education, and orientation. “Many people cannot make the connection between pipelines and the power supply they use. For example, someone who is fifty miles away can burst a pipeline without knowing that the pipeline is carrying gas to the power station that supplies their electricity. And when Nigeria is playing a football match and there is no electricity to watch, they will start blaming the government or the power providers,” he added.
Engr. Onuha clarified that, although the conference may not directly address Nigeria’s rising cost of petroleum products, the issue is interconnected. “Here’s the reason: if you get the refinery in Kaduna working, you must supply crude to it, and the only way to supply it is by pipelines. If we want to start trucking crude, it would not be economical, and the refinery cannot function. Similarly, when we talk about distribution from the refinery to any other location, it is much easier, especially when a large quantity is involved,” he said.
The two-day conference featured a series of exhibitions showcasing innovations in pipeline technology, complemented by keynote addresses, panel discussions, and goodwill messages.
In his virtual address, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, praised the strides made under President Bola Tinubu’s administration in advancing pipeline infrastructure.
Ekpo underscored the government’s commitment to unlocking Nigeria’s natural resource potential, with key projects such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline, designed to boost domestic gas use and stimulate industrial growth in northern Nigeria. He also highlighted the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) gas pipeline, which aims to streamline the transportation of gas between the eastern and western regions of the country, ensuring a more reliable supply of clean energy. Another significant project, the Nigeria-Equatorial Guinea pipeline, was noted as positioning Nigeria as a potential global leader in natural gas supply.
“The administration is continually focused on developing policies that safeguard pipeline security while addressing environmental concerns,” the minister concluded.
