The House of Representatives has resolved to constitute an ad-hoc committee to investigate the state of oil and gas pipelines across Nigeria.
The call followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Mohammed Shehu (APC-Kano State) and 14 other lawmakers during plenary on Tuesday in Abuja.
Moving the motion, Shehu stated that Nigeria’s oil and gas sector remains the backbone of the national economy, contributing approximately nine per cent to the Gross Domestic Product while generating over 90 per cent of export revenues.
The lawmaker emphasized that effective transportation of petroleum resources depends on the integrity of the country’s pipeline infrastructure.
According to him, between 2018 and 2023, Nigeria recorded over 7,000 incidents of pipeline vandalism, resulting in the loss of $12.74 million worth of crude oil.
He recalled that in October 2024, crude oil supply to Shell’s Forcados Terminal reduced by 50 per cent due to sabotage, leading to loading delays and the risk of force majeure declarations.
Shehu also highlighted that in January 2025, a major pipeline spill from a facility owned by Shell’s Nigerian subsidiary caused environmental devastation in the Niger Delta, worsening pollution and economic hardship for host communities.
He further noted that in February 2025, Shell reported an oil spill near Port Harcourt caused by an overflow during pipeline flushing operations, underscoring ongoing risks in pipeline management.
“Recurrent pipeline breaches have led to extensive environmental degradation, loss of livelihoods, and substantial national revenue losses, further straining the country’s economic and security landscape.
“The Niger Delta region has suffered from decades of oil spills, causing severe health hazards, destruction of farmlands, and contamination of water sources, thereby exacerbating poverty among local communities.
“The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited has intensified efforts to combat crude oil theft, uncovering 19 illegal pipeline connections and 58 illegal refineries in a single week in January 2025.
“The deterioration of oil and gas pipeline networks threatens not only Nigeria’s energy security but also undermines the country’s potential sustainable economic development,” he said.
The House mandated the committee to investigate the causes and impacts of frequent vandalism and operational failures in the country.
Additionally, the committee will assess the adequacy of existing security and maintenance measures in safeguarding national petroleum infrastructure.
As part of its mandate, the committee will examine the effectiveness of past and present government interventions aimed at protecting pipelines.
It is also tasked with engaging all relevant stakeholders, including host communities and civil society organizations, to recommend sustainable solutions.
The committee is expected to report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.
