Reps panel begins probe into oil, gas pipeline vandalism

A house of representatives ad hoc committee has commenced an investigation into the causes of pipeline vandalism in the country.

On March 12, Muhammed Shehu from Kano and 14 other lawmakers sponsored a motion calling for a probe of “frequent” pipeline attacks across the nation.

Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house, subsequently constituted an ad hoc committee to investigate the matter with Ghali Tijani as chairman.

The committee’s mandate includes overseeing the rehabilitation of oil and gas pipelines, as well as the revitalisation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPCL) and the Nigeria Pipelines and Storage Company (NPSC) depot in Ore, Ondo state, and other depots across the country.

At the committee’s inaugural meeting on Thursday, Tijani said the Ore depot plays a significant role in the storage and distribution of petroleum products nationwide.

He said the prolonged inactivity of the depot has disrupted supply chains, contributing to Nigeria’s rising cost of petroleum products.

“The effective and safe transportation of petroleum resources is highly dependent on the integrity of our pipeline infrastructure,” he said.

The lawmaker said the vandalisation of the pipelines results in environmental degradation, loss of livelihoods, and revenue loss to the government.

“The committee will identify the root causes of oil and gas pipeline vandalism and other related vices in the oil and gas sector in the last 10 years,” he said.

Tijani said the committee would “critically examine” the condition of all oil and gas depots nationwide and formulate a strategy approach to ensure their effective and efficient operations.

“Rehabilitating critical pipeline infrastructures across the country and ensuring the full restoration of operations at the NNPCL/NPSC depot in Ore, Ondo state, is very key,” he added.

“This initiative aligns seamlessly with the vision of the 10th house of representatives and the broader legislative agenda of the national assembly to support good governance and drive national development.”

Tijani added that the investigation would “significantly support” the federal government’s efforts to reposition the economy and place the country on sustainable prosperity.