Abuja:The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPC Ltd.) has announced a collaboration with the Pipeline Professionals Association of Nigeria (PLAN) to bolster indigenous capacity, cut pipeline operational costs, and enhance infrastructure financing. This initiative was discussed during a courtesy visit by PLAN members, led by its Chairman, Board of Trustees, Mr. Geoff Onuoha, to the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Mr. Bashir Ojulari.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Ojulari emphasized that the partnership would focus on capacity building, cost reduction, and innovative financing. He highlighted that by working together, the entities could reduce overall pipeline costs and make more projects economically viable and attractive to investors. Additionally, the collaboration aims to develop individual expertise and train more pipeline engineers to strengthen indigenous technical capacity in the oil and gas industry.
Mr. Ojulari also disclosed that NNPC Ltd. has successfully raised $1.5 billion for the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project based on projected pipeline throughput. He noted this as a milestone achievement that showcases the potential for securing financing for pipeline infrastructure independent of upstream or downstream projects. Furthermore, the partnership will explore additional collaboration with PLAN to develop bankable pipeline projects.
Concerning pipeline security, NNPC Ltd. is working with government security agencies and community surveillance contractors under an integrated pipeline security framework. This approach combines conventional security measures with community engagement to tackle pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft. Mr. Ojulari reported that this strategy has improved pipeline availability to between 95 and 100 percent over the last 18 months.
The importance of host community development was also highlighted, with Mr. Ojulari stating that the effective implementation of Host Community Development Trusts under the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 has led to improved relations with host communities. NNPC Ltd. is exploring ways to promote shared prosperity through job creation and other economic opportunities to deter youths from pipeline vandalism.
Mr. Onuoha from PLAN reiterated the association’s advocacy for integrating social considerations into pipeline operations, emphasizing the need for host communities to have a sense of ownership in protecting the infrastructure. PLAN’s Vice President, Mr. Adeche Omotosho-Oboro, further stressed the importance of strategic partnerships to address challenges in crude oil and gas transportation, with a focus on security, infrastructure planning, and indigenous technical capacity.
Mr. Audu Ibrahim, Managing Director of the NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company, has been appointed as PLAN’s focal point person to enhance coordination between the association and NNPC Ltd. He expressed the opportunity to advance the oil and gas industry through stronger partnerships and the integration of indigenous expertise, leveraging PLAN’s platform for collective knowledge and capabilities.
The visit included the presentation of a plaque to the NNPC Ltd. GCEO, as well as a brochure for the 2026 Nigerian International Pipeline Technology and Energy Conference and Exhibition (NIPITECS), which will focus on financing and developing bankable pipeline projects.