In an effort to tackle the growing menace of oil and gas pipeline vandalism in Nigeria, the House of Representatives has officially resolved to establish an Ad Hoc Committee.
This committee will focus on investigating the state of the nation’s critical petroleum infrastructure, particularly addressing the causes and impacts of frequent pipeline breaches, as well as exploring the underlying factors contributing to operational failures in the oil and gas sector.
Meanwhile. the committee is expected to assess the adequacy of current security measures and maintenance systems in place to protect these vital national assets.
The investigation aims to understand the persistent sabotage of pipelines, which has led to severe economic losses for the country, affecting both the nation’s revenue generation and the stability of its energy supply.
Urgency of the Matter: Motion on Oil Pipeline Rehabilitation
Furthermore, the lawmakers’ decision to form the committee follows a motion of urgent national importance, introduced by Hon. Muhammed Bello Shehu, alongside fourteen other members, during the plenary session on Tuesday.
The motion highlights the dire need for immediate intervention in rehabilitating the deteriorating oil and gas pipeline networks emphasizing continued vandalism and operational failures threatening Nigeria’s energy security and by extension, its economic wellbeing.
Urgency of the Matter: Motion on Oil Pipeline Rehabilitation
As part of the investigation, the newly formed Ad Hoc Committee will engage a wide range of key stakeholders involved in the oil and gas industry.
These include the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), as well as national security agencies, oil companies, host communities, and civil society organizations.
The aim is to collaborate and gather critical insights from all parties involved in pipeline operations, security, and maintenance.
Looking Ahead: Recommendations for Sustainable Solutions
Meanwhile, the committee’s engagements are expected to lead to the identification of sustainable solutions to mitigate pipeline vandalism and ensure that Nigeria’s petroleum infrastructure is adequately protected.
Additionally, it will assess the effectiveness of past and current government interventions in safeguarding oil pipelines. This will include reviewing policies, security measures, and the role of local communities in curbing pipeline theft and sabotage.
Hon. Shehu’s Remarks: A Call for Immediate Action
Hon. Shehu, the sponsor of the motion, stated that Nigeria’s oil and gas pipelines are not only essential to the country’s economic growth but also play a critical role in the daily lives of Nigerians.
However, the frequent theft and destruction of these pipelines have caused widespread environmental degradation, disrupted local economies, and undermined national security. He emphasized that a comprehensive approach, involving all relevant stakeholders, is required to address this issue once and for all.
In light of these challenges, the committee’s investigation is expected to provide vital recommendations that will strengthen the security of Nigeria’s petroleum infrastructure, reduce pipeline vandalism, and safeguard the nation’s oil and gas resources for future generations.
