STRINGENT punishment for offenders, application of modern technology and the use of electronic surveillance devices, have been identified as measures capable of tackling pipeline vandalism in the country.

Stakeholders at 2013 Petroleum Downstream Group, Business Clinic organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) at the weekend in Lagos, which included Managing Director, Pipeline & Products Marketing Company (PPMC), Haruna Momoh, Chairman/Managing Director, Mobil Oil, Tunji Oyebanji, Commander General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, Ade Abolurin, believed that efforts of all stakeholders were needed to curb pipeline vandalism in the country.

Speaking at the event, Momoh, who was represented by Executive Director, Commercial of PPMC, Gbenga Komolafe, said that the nation lost N162 billion to pipeline vandalism between 2009 and 2012.

According to Momoh, the country lost N9.8 billion in 2009, N8.9 billion in 2010 and N10.4 billion in 2011.

He explained: “We recorded 497 punctured points in 1999, 999 point in 2000, 2,300 in 2005 and over 4,000 vandalised points in 2012.

He disclosed that the nation had lost a total of about N162.6 billion from crude oil and petroleum products pipeline losses from 2009-2012 alone not adding associated costs.

He stated: “Over the years we have witnessed an increase in pipeline vandalism. This is in spite of the JTF, Army, IGP Special squad, community guards and the NCDC on our pipelines from the data above.

“Valves have been seen to be drilled right beneath or close to the tents manned by security personnel only for them to say they were not aware.    This does not in any way negate the fact of the good working relationship built over the years with these security agencies and the hard work by many of them.”

To avert future vandalism of the pipelines, he said that PPMC had introduced the use of Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) technology into the system.

Momoh said: “In our continuous efforts to stem the activities of vandals and put a permanent stop to this menace, PPMC has decided to look inward for solutions and have decided on the use of technology as a way out.

“Ijeodudu pipeline axis has therefore become the first petroleum products pipeline segment that HDD technology will be deployed. Hopefully, we will deploy this technology to other hot spot segment of our pipeline network.”

He explained: “HDD technology has been proven to be a more durable and effective method of burying pipeline especially through swamps and difficult terrain, as it provides a more attractive alternative to conventional methods, which are easy targets for vandals, especially in swampy areas.

“Horizontal directional drilling is an innovative trenchless construction method utilising equipment and techniques from horizontal oil well drilling technology and conventional road boring.  As an environmentally friendly, safe, reliable and efficient alternative to conventional construction methods, HDD construction is used to install petroleum pipelines where conventional open trench construction is not feasible or difficult.”

Oyebanji said that the Nigeria legal system does not have stringent punishment to pipeline vandals.  “We need a serious punishment for vandals to make puncturing of pipelines unattractive to the criminals.  Government should begin to look into that direction in its effort to bring permanent solution to the illegal activities,” he said.

Chairman, Petroleum Downstream Group of LCCI, Emma Osagie, said that pipeline vandalism had been a major threat to the survival of the country, adding that its implication ranged from economic to social and political.

Vandals have left many of the nation’s strategic depots idle and moribund for years, as pipelines supplying products through them have been constantly under incessant attack.

He said: “It is quite imperative for Nigerians to consider the oil and gas industry as a collective heritage.  Its security should be a national affair and collective priority, with a view to avoiding further destruction of the legacy.

President of LCCI, Goodie Ibru, stated that pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft were threatening enough to pose as a threat to the economy.

“Vandals’ activities have become a major concern to all stakeholders and citizens. We are gathered today to seek for a permanent solution to this problem. It is pertinent to note that no one institution or law enforcement agency can cope with these challenges. It calls for all hands to be on deck as our prosperity as a nation is affected by these crimes,” he added.