Pipelines
The Pipeline Professionals Association of Nigeria (PLAN) has called for a national pipeline database to facilitate real-time incident reporting and prevent pipeline disasters.
Dr Izionworu Vincent, Executive Secretary of PLAN, made the call during a visit to Aleto community in Rivers on Monday to assess the devastation caused by a gas pipeline explosion on Oct. 15.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the gas pipeline explosion occurred in the Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC) confirmed the incident, activated emergency response procedures, and isolated the affected pipeline segment.
Joint inspections were carried out by Rivers State ministries, local government authorities, and regulatory agencies.
Vincent, an Associate Professor of Corrosion Engineering at Rivers State University, described the incident as tragic, saying the destruction of properties and number of affected persons underscored the urgent need for preventive measures.
He said about 20 persons were reportedly hospitalised following the incident, adding that some community members had appealed for assistance to secure adequate medical care for their relatives.
The professor urged relevant authorities to support affected residents, including those whose properties were located beyond the pipeline right-of-way limits prescribed by regulations.
He called for a fundamental change in pipeline right-of-way management, urging federal, state and local government agencies to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations.
Vincent said PLAN was ready to contribute its professional expertise towards developing sustainable solutions to pipeline safety challenges.
He proposed a national pipeline database that would enable trained community members to report incidents in real time and ensure prompt responses by relevant authorities.
According to him, delays of two weeks or a month in responding to pipeline incidents could worsen the situation and increase the risk of loss of lives and property.
He also called for a comprehensive assessment of pipelines nationwide to identify ageing infrastructure requiring maintenance, rehabilitation or replacement.
Vincent commended ongoing efforts to address the Aleto incident but stressed the need for coordinated action to strengthen pipeline surveillance and improve emergency response.
He urged experts, industry stakeholders, academics, policymakers and regulatory agencies to participate in the Nigeria International Pipeline Technology and Security Conference (NIPITEX) 2026.
The conference, scheduled for Nov. 17 and 18 in Abuja, will provide a platform to discuss pipeline financing, technology, security and strategies for protecting critical national infrastructure, he said.
Vincent said the conference was particularly relevant following the Aleto incident and similar occurrences, which had raised concerns about pipeline safety.
He urged stakeholders to use the conference to develop lasting solutions, stressing that pipelines should serve their intended purpose rather than become death traps.
Meanwhile, some residents of Aleto community told NAN that they were awaiting the outcome of investigations and a response from the NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Ltd.
Mr John Ebienwoke, President of Aleto Youth Congress, said the company visited the community on Oct. 17 and met with community leaders.
He said the company promised to assess the damage and establish the cause of the incident.
He said the company acknowledged responsibility for the pipeline and assured the community that it would take steps to repair the damaged facility.
Ebienwoke declined further comments, saying community leaders were engaging the company over the incident.
He expressed hope that the engagement would lead to an appropriate response and resolution of the problem. (NAN)
