Amid growing concerns about crude oil theft, spillage, and vandalism within Nigeria’s oil and gas pipeline network, Abdul-Wahab Sa’ad, a leading petroleum engineer and Wells, Reservoir, and Facility Management (WRFM) specialist, has called for the urgent adoption of intelligent monitoring systems.
Speaking at the Society of Petroleum Engineers Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition in Lagos, Sa’ad underscored the significance of technological innovation in combating energy-related crimes and boosting Nigeria’s export capacity.
“Nigeria loses over 200,000 barrels of crude oil per day to theft and pipeline damage,” he stated. “Intelligent monitoring systems can detect leaks, illegal tapping, and equipment failures instantly, allowing swift intervention. This will not only safeguard our environment but also restore investor confidence and boost crude output to meet OPEC targets.”
Sa’ad’s expertise is rooted in years of experience in optimising oil production systems. He highlighted the economic ramifications of frequent disruptions in crude output, noting that losses from pipeline breaches hamper efforts to revitalise Nigeria’s economy. According to Sa’ad, accurate data generated by these intelligent systems not only deters criminal activity but also aids in prompt repairs and spill containment, minimising environmental damage.
“Advanced technologies like fibre-optic sensors, satellite tracking, and machine learning can detect anomalies in real time,” he explained. “This is not just about stopping theft—it’s about ensuring Nigeria meets its production quotas, stabilises oil-dependent revenue, and supports global energy supply chains.”
Sa’ad, who has held leadership positions in several multinational energy companies, also underscored the global significance of Nigeria’s oil supply. “Nigeria has a crucial role to play in maintaining global energy security. By adopting intelligent systems to safeguard our pipelines, we can demonstrate our commitment to being a reliable and responsible supplier of oil to the world market.”
The expert urged the government to create an enabling environment for the adoption of intelligent systems by providing necessary infrastructure, incentives, and policy support. He also called for increased collaboration between the public and private sectors to drive innovation and accelerate the deployment of cutting-edge solutions.
As Nigeria navigates the challenges of the global energy landscape, Abdul-Wahab Sa’ad’s call for intelligent systems serves as a critical step towards securing the country’s energy future and strengthening its position on the world stage.
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