An energy lawyer, Dr. Ayodele Oni, has called on the federal government to leverage modern technology in combating pipeline vandalism.
Oni, who is also a partner at Bloomfield Law Firm, recommended the deployment of drones, pipe-in-pipe systems, fibre-optic sensors, and pressure-drop-controlled flow stations to enhance pipeline monitoring and functionality.
He gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Friday in Lagos.
He said the recommended strategies would safeguard the nation’s pipeline system from continuous vandalism.
Oni noted that strengthening security measures was essential for curbing illegal activities and ensuring a steady revenue flow from oil and gas, which are critical to the country’s development.
He said further that ensuring a steady supply of feedstock was essential for achieving optimal refinery production, which would help meet domestic fuel demand and reduce dependence on fuel imports.
He said, “Local refineries must explore various options to ensure continuous access to feedstock, which is necessary to maintain optimal refining levels.
“The distance from the feedstock source and its type can affect refining economics, and refineries must minimise dependency on the government for supply.”
Oni said establishing strategic partnerships with upstream oil producers and situating refineries near crude sources, could guarantee steady supply of crude.
He noted that conventional refineries with larger crude requirements might consider sourcing from international markets.
The expert added that for modular refineries, co-locating them within existing refineries or onshore marginal fields could prove beneficial.
Oni, however, stated that damaged pipelines, shallow water channels, and inadequate logistics and infrastructure were significant challenges facing the refining sector and the broader oil and gas industry.
To address those issues, Oni called for significant investments in the rail system, dredging and barges, to facilitate efficient transportation.
He stressed that a robust intermodal transport system, combining rail, inland waterways, and road transport, would be essential for optimal refined product distribution,
He also advocated for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to bridge the country’s infrastructure gap.