(Ecofin Agency) - The Federal Government of Nigeria has revealed plans to take up independent ownership of oil and gas pipelines so as to achieve the smooth maintenance and operation of the pipelines transport system, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) revealed.

According to the Deputy Director, Engineering and Standards Division, DPR, Olumide Adeleke the drafting of the modalities of operation in the independent pipeline system has already begun.

He said the new system will permit independent operators to construct, operate and maintain the facility, as it will allow them maintain the pipes and prevent continuous vandalism that has affected the country’s operations negatively.

“There are several committees looking into vandalism and I know that there are digital monitoring systems in place to detect the ruptures, including the standard of laying pipelines so deep into the ground, yet pipelines are vandalized every day,” he told Today news.

He added that the department is currently setting up a special unit where it can be attending to special issues, including pipeline construction and maintenance. He noted that the department is also creating a mechanism whereby it can summons illegal refiners, equip them and legalize their businesses.

Anita Fatunji