Abuja: The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has called on engineers to champion Nigeria’s energy future through the development of resilient, innovative, and sustainable pipeline systems. The President and Chairman-in-Council of NSE, Mrs. Margaret Oguntala, made the call at the 2025 Nigerian International Pipeline Technology and Security Conference (NIPITECS), organised by the Pipeline Professional Association of Nigeria (PLAN) in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the theme of the conference was ‘Building Robust Pipeline Systems for the Decade of Gas and Beyond’. The conference featured stakeholders globally and locally to share expert insights on technical challenges, regulatory frameworks, and innovative solutions for pipeline infrastructure. Oguntala described the topic as timely and essential, noting that it called for deep reflection and strategic planning on how engineers could shape the future of Nigeria’s energy infrastructure to support not only Nigeria’s growing energy needs but also the demands of global energy markets.
Oguntala emphasized that the next decade represents a critical period for Nigeria to harness the full potential of its gas resources, with robust pipeline systems being central to this transformation. She stated that pipeline systems are the backbone of the energy sector, ensuring reliable and safe transportation of gas from production points to end users, thus enabling economic development, providing energy security, and supporting job creation.
She highlighted the necessity for Nigeria’s pipeline infrastructure to evolve to meet the growing demand for energy and contribute to global sustainability goals. Oguntala noted that Nigerian engineers are uniquely positioned to lead the development of the next generation of pipeline systems, extending their role beyond designing and building infrastructure to innovating and ensuring resilience and sustainability.
Oguntala urged engineers to embrace the digital revolution in pipeline systems by integrating advanced technologies like automation, data analytics, and smart monitoring systems. She explained that these technologies would improve safety, optimize performance, and reduce costs, which are critical in the era of gas.
To achieve the vision of a robust pipeline network, she encouraged engineers to focus on sustainability by prioritizing the environmental impact of pipeline systems. This includes minimizing carbon emissions, reducing energy consumption, and ensuring the safe management of resources to prevent leaks and spills. She stressed the importance of using advanced materials and AI-driven systems for monitoring and repair, as well as developing innovative solutions for managing diverse terrains.
Oguntala also called for collaboration among engineers, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and communities to build robust pipeline systems. She encouraged the establishment of policies, regulations, and frameworks to support sustainable pipeline infrastructure and help Nigeria become a global leader in energy.
The NSE president advised engineers to invest in continuous professional development to stay ahead in an increasingly complex and fast-evolving industry. She emphasized that future pipeline systems would require highly skilled professionals capable of navigating technological advancements, regulatory challenges, and environmental concerns.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of PLAN, Geoff Onuoha, highlighted the importance of strengthening Nigeria’s pipeline infrastructure and upholding global best practices to ensure energy reliability, safety, and sustainability. Onuoha used the Dangote Refinery as an example of modern engineering excellence, illustrating the critical nature of pipeline integrity to industrial and national stability.
Onuoha reaffirmed PLAN’s commitment to promoting industry standards, professionalism, and local capacity development in Nigeria’s pipeline sector. He urged members to adhere to safety protocols and international standards while fostering innovation and knowledge-sharing through various platforms.