Abuja: Pipeline Professionals Association of Nigeria (PLAN) has commended the decline in cases of pipeline vandalism across the country, describing pipeline systems as the lifeblood of national development. Mr. Geoff Onuoha, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of PLAN, made the commendation at the 2025 Nigerian International Pipeline Technology and Security Conference (NIPITECS) in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the theme of the conference is ‘Building Robust Pipeline Systems for the Decade of Gas and Beyond’. Onuoha noted a noticeable drop in unauthorized interventions in pipelines, which is referred to as pipeline vandalism. He expressed hope that the public is recognizing that attacking or damaging pipelines does not yield benefits and harms the environment, including water sources and agriculture.
Onuoha emphasized the critical role of pipeline systems in sustaining Nigeria’s energy and industrial ecosystem, noting their significance beyond gas transportation. He pointed out that pipelines are often overlooked until disruptions occur, highlighting PLAN’s efforts to build a robust pipeline system that extends beyond gas alone.
He explained that PLAN aims to ensure robust pipeline systems through design, construction, operation, maintenance, and eventual decommissioning. The objective is to enhance industries, energy production, manufacturing, and social life in Nigeria.
The PLAN Chairman also commended pipeline engineers for their contributions to the economy, despite the often unnoticeable nature of their work. He urged PLAN members to promote professionalism, best practices, and standard maintenance to make pipeline issues more visible.
Saidu Mohammed, a member of the PLAN Board of Trustees, emphasized the need to classify oil and gas pipelines as national critical infrastructure. He advocated for new financing frameworks and increased private sector participation in pipeline development, particularly for crude evacuation systems and downstream distribution networks.
Rep. Henry Okojie, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Midstream), commended PLAN for providing a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas. Represented by Dr. Abdullahi Yakubu, Okojie expressed commitment to supporting policies and frameworks that enhance investment, innovation, transparency, and accountability in pipeline networks.
Dr. Vincent Izionworu, Associate Professor of Corrosion Engineering and Chair of the NIPITECS 2025 Technical Committee, noted that the ninth edition of the conference focused on building robust pipeline systems for the decade of gas and beyond.