The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, announced ambitious plans to replace the aging petroleum products pipeline network spanning over 5,000 kilometers within a three-year timeframe.
Kyari revealed this significant development during his address at the 2024 edition of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum held in Abuja.
Kyari highlighted the necessity of pipeline infrastructure, emphasizing its cost-effectiveness in transporting petroleum products across various geopolitical zones. He underscored the urgency of the situation, stating that many pipelines had reached a critical state requiring immediate replacement.
The NNPCL has initiated a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) process to facilitate the overhaul, ensuring the integrity and efficiency of the network.
Furthermore, Kyari assured stakeholders that the pipeline replacement project would be executed within the stipulated timeline, bolstering the company’s capability to deliver products nationwide.
He attributed the recent improvements in oil asset security to facilitating Nigeria’s crude oil production targets, currently averaging 1.6 million barrels per day.
In addition to pipeline replacement, Kyari outlined the NNPCL’s commitment to enhancing gas supply infrastructure. He highlighted ongoing projects such as the Obiafu/Obrikom/Oben (OB3) and Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano pipelines, designed to bolster the nation’s gas supply network.
Kyari also addressed the importance of diversifying energy sources and expanding transportation systems to mitigate climate change and enhance energy security.
He stressed the important role of SPE members in advancing the core business of NNPCL, encompassing crude oil and gas production, transportation, and more.
The announcement coincided with the recognition of Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, who received the prestigious 2024 Distinguished Spokesperson in Oil and Gas award from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations. Soneye’s outstanding contributions in managing the company’s image were acknowledged during the National Spokesperson’ Awards ceremony in Abuja.
In his acceptance speech, Soneye credited Mele Kyari’s guidance and the collective efforts of the corporate communications team for their commitment to excellence. He expressed gratitude for the recognition and pledged to uphold the highest standards of communication.
