Nigeria's aspiration to fully harness its vast natural gas resources may be constrained unless the country embarks on a significant expansion, modernization, and digitalization of its pipeline infrastructure, according to energy experts. Dr. Eloho Innocent Amagada, CEO of Amelin Projects Ltd., and Engr. Reuben Temerigha, MD of Westend Diamond Energy Ltd., made this call at the 2026 International Pipeline Conference and Expo in Canada. They emphasized that Nigeria's challenge has shifted from gas resource availability to developing a reliable infrastructure network.
Nigeria boasts approximately 215.19 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves and an existing gas pipeline infrastructure spanning over 2,500 kilometers. However, substantial investment is required to expand the network and meet growing domestic and export demand for natural gas. Amagada stressed that reliable pipeline infrastructure is critical for power generation, fertilizer production, petrochemicals, manufacturing, and various gas products.
Amagada identified ageing infrastructure, insecurity, third-party interference, environmental concerns, difficult terrain, right-of-way challenges, and community-related issues as significant constraints to pipeline development and operations in Nigeria. To address these challenges, he urged pipeline operators to adopt predictive integrity systems capable of identifying and addressing risks before they result in failures.
Amagada advocated for the integration of intelligent in-line inspection, corrosion monitoring, Geographic Information Systems, artificial intelligence, and risk-based inspection into Nigeria's pipeline management system. He also recommended deploying real-time leak detection systems, fiber-optic monitoring, integrated Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems, drones, satellite imagery, and AI-enabled video analytics to enhance pipeline surveillance and security.
Advanced technologies such as Horizontal Directional Drilling, microtunnelling, LiDAR, satellite mapping, and remote sensing can help overcome terrain, river crossings, and right-of-way challenges associated with pipeline construction. The 130-kilometer Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben gas pipeline, which uses Horizontal Directional Drilling to cross the River Niger, exemplifies how technology can address complex geographical challenges.
Amagada cited the River Niger crossing for the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben gas pipeline as an example of deploying advanced technology to overcome geographical hurdles. The pipeline was designed to transport up to two billion cubic feet of gas daily. He emphasized that Nigeria's gas development strategy should combine pipeline infrastructure expansion with digitalization.
Experts agree that a decade-long commitment to overhauling Nigeria's pipeline infrastructure is necessary to achieve the country's gas ambitions. This involves substantial investment, adoption of advanced technologies, and a shift towards predictive integrity systems and digitalization. The implementation of these measures will be crucial in harnessing Nigeria's vast natural gas resources and meeting growing demand.
Key points
- Nigeria requires a decade-long overhaul of its pipeline infrastructure to harness its vast natural gas resources.
- Ageing infrastructure, insecurity, and environmental concerns are significant constraints to pipeline development and operations in Nigeria.
- Advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and Geographic Information Systems, are essential for enhancing pipeline surveillance, security, and management.
