Nigeria’s Gas Ambitions Require Decade of Pipeline Infrastructure, Experts Say
Wale Igbintade Energy experts have warned that Nigeria’s ambition to fully harness its vast natural gas resources could remain constrained unless the country undertakes a major expansion, modernisation and digitalisation
Nigeria's goal to fully utilize its abundant natural gas reserves may hinge on a decade-long effort to expand, modernize and digitize its pipeline infrastructure, according to experts. Dr. Eloho Innocent Amagada, CEO of Amelin Projects Ltd., and Engr. Reuben Temerigha, Managing Director of Westend Diamond Energy Ltd., shared these insights at the 2026 International Pipeline Conference and Expo (IPCE) held in Canada.
Amagada emphasized that Nigeria's challenge lies not in the availability of gas resources, but in establishing a reliable, intelligent and secure infrastructure network to transport them. Nigeria possesses approximately 215.19 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of proven natural gas reserves, and currently has a pipeline network exceeding 2,500 kilometers.
However, substantial investment is required to meet growing domestic and export demand. Key challenges include ageing infrastructure, insecurity, third-party interference, environmental concerns, difficult terrain, right-of-way issues, and community-related challenges. To address these, Amagada suggested transitioning from reactive to predictive integrity management systems, incorporating advanced technologies like predictive in-line inspection, corrosion monitoring, GIS, AI, and real-time leak detection.
He also advocated for the use of technologies such as HDD, microtunnelling, LiDAR, satellite mapping, and remote sensing to overcome challenging terrain and geographical obstacles. Temerigha stressed the importance of risk-based pipeline integrity management, safe field intervention practices, and community-monitored environmental recovery.
He emphasized that pipeline integrity assessments should prioritize risks rather than just age, considering factors like operating conditions, defects, and potential impacts on people and the environment. The experts highlighted the need for qualified personnel, reliable inspection records, and clear accountability for addressing defects.
They also called for safe intervention methods, such as double block and bleed and hot tapping, to be deployed only by qualified engineering teams.
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