The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, Mele Kyari, has announced plans to replace the over 5,000km petroleum products pipeline network of the oil firm within the next three years.
Speaking at the 2024 edition of the Society of Petroleum Engineers Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum in Abuja, Kyari highlighted the importance of pipelines in transporting petroleum products efficiently across the country.
“The cheapest way of transporting petroleum products is by pipelines, and that is why our NNPC network of pipelines is connecting almost all geopolitical zones,” Kyari stated.
He outlined the commencement of a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) process to replace the aging pipelines, emphasizing the critical nature of this infrastructure upgrade.
“As we do this, we are also reinforcing the ability of the current network to deliver products to our locations,” Kyari added.
Kyari reassured stakeholders that the replacement project would be completed within the specified timeline, underscoring its importance in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of the nation’s petroleum product distribution system.
Additionally, Kyari highlighted the NNPC’s efforts to enhance gas supply to the domestic market through various infrastructural projects, including the Obiafu/Obrikom/Oben (OB3) and Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano pipelines.
He expressed determination to increase the nation’s gas supply network, emphasizing the pivotal role of energy security in driving economic prosperity.
“We must guarantee energy security for our country, not just in fueling stations but also in power generation,” Kyari affirmed.
Kyari also disclosed plans for floating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) projects and further investments in gas infrastructure to bolster Nigeria’s position in the international energy market.
Meanwhile, Salahuddeen Tahir, Chairperson of the Society of Petroleum Engineers Nigeria Council, emphasized the importance of energy in modern society, stressing the need for sustainable energy transportation systems.
