The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the state of Nigeria’s oil and gas pipelines to prevent further economic losses and environmental damage.
The decision followed a motion of urgent public importance moved on Tuesday, March 11, by Muhammad Shehu, who represents Fagge Federal Constituency in Kano State, along with 15 others.
Shehu stressed that Nigeria’s oil and gas sector contributes about 9% to the country’s GDP and generates over 90% of export revenues. However, between 2018 and 2023, the country recorded over 7,000 incidents of pipeline vandalism, leading to losses worth $12.74 million in crude oil.
“The House is aware that in October 2024, crude oil supply to Shell’s Forcados Terminal was reduced by 50 per cent due to sabotage, leading to loading delays and the risk of force majeure declarations,” he said.
He also highlighted a major pipeline spill in January 2025 from a Shell facility, which caused severe environmental damage in the Niger Delta. Additionally, he noted a February 2025 oil spill near Port Harcourt caused by an overflow during pipeline flushing operations.
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Shehu lamented that recurring pipeline breaches have led to widespread environmental degradation, loss of livelihoods, and significant revenue losses for Nigeria.
“The House recognises that 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,” he said.
He commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) for cracking down on crude oil theft, revealing that in one week in January 2025, it uncovered 19 illegal pipeline connections and 58 illegal refineries.
Following the motion’s adoption, the House resolved to investigate the causes and impacts of frequent pipeline vandalism and operational failures. Lawmakers will also assess past and present government interventions in pipeline protection.
The investigation will involve key stakeholders, including the NNPCL, petroleum regulatory agencies, security forces, oil companies, host communities, and civil society groups, to develop lasting solutions.