Experts seek stronger pipeline network to unlock Nigeria’s gas

Energy experts are advocating for the expansion and modernization of Nigeria's pipeline network to fully utilize the country's abundant gas resources, enhance industrial supply, and mitigate environmental and operational hazards. During the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service B2B Matchmaking Programme for international pipeline companies, held at the 2026 International Pipeline Conference and Expo in Calgary, Canada, Dr. Eloho Amagada, CEO of Amelin Projects Ltd and a member of the Pipeline Professionals Association of Nigeria (PLAN), emphasized that while Nigeria boasts substantial gas reserves of approximately 215.19 trillion cubic feet, the existing pipeline network stretches over 2,500 kilometres.

Amagada projected that expanding the network could necessitate around $22 billion in investment. He underscored that bolstering pipeline infrastructure would facilitate power generation, manufacturing, fertilizer production, petrochemical industry development, and other gas-based sectors. According to Amagada, Nigeria currently supplies about 4.7 billion cubic feet of commercial gas daily, with domestic consumption accounting for roughly 2.1 billion cubic feet.

He cautioned that aging pipelines pose significant integrity risks, as existing flaws could deteriorate further under operating and environmental conditions. Amagada highlighted that Amelin Projects recently surveyed a 55-kilometre pipeline, uncovering over 3,000 defects, including areas with considerable wall loss. He advocated for a shift from reactive maintenance to risk-based systems that can detect and address defects before they lead to failures.

Moreover, he promoted increased reliance on digital monitoring, leak detection, regular inspections, and artificial intelligence for pipeline surveillance. As an illustration of leveraging advanced technology in challenging environments, Amagada cited the 130-kilometre Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) pipeline, which utilizes Horizontal Directional Drilling to traverse beneath the River Niger, transporting up to two billion cubic feet of gas daily per day.

He emphasized that the opportunity extends beyond merely constructing more pipelines; it involves establishing a comprehensive pipeline industry. Amagada pointed out that each additional kilometre of pipeline would generate demand for engineering, inspection, integrity monitoring, and maintenance services. According to Westend Diamond Energy Ltd's Managing Director, Reuben Temerigha, pipeline operators should prioritize maintenance based on risk rather than solely focusing on pipeline age.

Temerigha suggested integrating inspection findings, operational records, and targeted field assessments to pinpoint defects that require immediate attention. He also called for operators to consider potential environmental, waterway, and habitat impacts when evaluating pipeline risks. Temerigha warned that unaddressed pipeline issues could escalate into environmental catastrophes, stressing the necessity of prompt investigation and corrective measures.