Reps probe oil, gas pipelines’ vandalism
The House of Representatives on Tuesday resolved to investigate reasons for frequent vandalisation of oil and gas pipelines in the country.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Fagge Federal Constituency, Kano State, Muhammed Shehu and 15 others on the “Urgent need to rehabilitate the oil and gas pipeline networks to avert economic loss for Nigeria.”
In the motion, the Kano lawmaker noted that between 2018 and 2023, Nigeria recorded over 7,000 incidents of pipeline vandalism, resulting in the loss of $12.74m worth of crude oil.
He argued that the recurrent pipeline breaches have led to extensive environmental degradation, loss of livelihoods, and substantial national revenue losses, thus straining the country’s economic and security landscape.
“Nigeria’s oil and gas sector remains the backbone of the national economy, contributing approximately 9 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product and generating over 90 per cent of export revenues.
“The House is aware that in October 2024, crude oil supply to Shell’s Forcados Terminal was reduced by 50 per cent due to sabotage, leading to loading delays and the risk of force majeure declarations.
“In January 2025, a major pipeline spill from a facility owned by Shell’s Nigerian subsidiary caused environmental devastation in the Niger Delta, worsening pollution and economic hardship for host communities.
“The House is concerned that in February 2025, Shell reported an oil spill near Port Harcourt caused by an overflow during pipeline flushing operations, highlighting ongoing risks in pipeline management.
“He continued, “The House recognises that the Niger Delta region has suffered from decades of oil spills, causing severe health hazards, destruction of farmlands, and contamination of water sources, thereby exacerbating poverty among local communities,” he argued.
He commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited for intensifying efforts to combat crude oil theft, uncovering 19 illegal pipeline connections and 58 illegal refineries in a single week in January 2025.
He stressed that the deterioration of oil and gas pipeline networks not only threatens Nigeria’s energy security but also undermines the country’s potential sustainable economic development.
The House, consequently, resolved to examine the effectiveness of past and present government interventions aimed at protecting pipelines.
The House also is to engage stakeholders, including the NNPCL, the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, the national security agencies, oil companies, host communities, and civil society organisations, to recommend sustainable solutions.
