The state of Oil and Gas facilities in Nigeria: The crucial role of Anti-Corrosion technologies

Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, the backbone of its economy, generates over 80% of the nation’s export revenue and contributes significantly to government income.

However, this critical industry is grappling with escalating challenges related to corrosion, which poses severe risks to infrastructure, safety, and the environment.

Corrosion has become a silent but significant threat to the sustainability of Nigeria’s oil and gas facilities, undermining their efficiency and lifespan. With billions of dollars at stake annually, experts like Oladipo Odujobi stress the urgency of adopting advanced anti-corrosion technologies such as coatings, painting, and cathodic protection.

Corrosion is a pervasive issue across the sector, with over 30% of Nigeria’s pipelines, platforms, and storage facilities now classified as at risk. A report from the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) highlighted that many of these facilities operate beyond their intended lifespan, subjected to harsh environmental conditions, including high salinity, humidity, and temperature fluctuations.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) attributes nearly 60% of oil spills to pipeline corrosion, translating to billions of naira in lost revenues and extensive environmental damage, including polluted waterways and devastated agricultural lands.

Aging infrastructure is compounded by insufficient maintenance budgets, slow adoption of modern anti-corrosion technologies, and gaps in regulatory enforcement. For instance, some facilities still rely on outdated or inadequate protective measures that fail to meet international standards.

Moreover, environmental factors such as coastal salinity and humid swamp terrains create ideal conditions for rapid corrosion. These challenges are further exacerbated by the difficulty in mobilizing resources for large-scale maintenance projects in remote or offshore locations.

Anti-corrosion technologies offer a proven solution to these challenges. Advanced coating systems, such as fusion-bonded epoxy, three-layer polyethylene, glass-reinforced epoxy, and passive fire protection coatings, provide robust barriers against environmental and chemical aggressors.

According to Oladipo Odujobi, a corrosion management expert with over 16 years of experience, these systems are indispensable in ensuring the longevity of assets in harsh conditions. Odujobi, whose credentials include certifications from the Institute of Corrosion (ICORR), NACE, and ISO, has led high-profile projects like the Escravos LPG FSO and OKAN GGCP Production Platform.

He emphasizes the importance of tailored maintenance programs, rigorous inspection protocols, and skilled personnel. “When applied correctly, modern coating systems can extend the lifespan of critical infrastructure by decades,” he asserts.

Odujobi also underscores the need for local capacity building, advocating for training programs to certify Nigerian engineers to global standards. “We have the talent, but we need to invest in developing it. By equipping local engineers with certifications such as NACE CIP and ICORR qualifications, Nigeria can reduce reliance on expatriates and foster a sustainable workforce for the oil and gas industry.”

To tackle the corrosion crisis comprehensively, a multi-faceted approach is essential. Key recommendations include increased investment in cutting-edge protective technologies, the establishment of regular inspection and maintenance schedules, and the development of stringent regulatory frameworks.

For instance, fusion-bonded epoxy coatings are highly effective for pipelines, while hot-dip galvanizing provides excellent corrosion resistance for structural components.

Moreover, collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors can foster innovation, with oil companies and government agencies funding research into new anti-corrosion methods tailored to Nigeria’s unique conditions.

Public-private partnerships can also address logistical barriers, such as the deployment of advanced maintenance equipment to remote locations. Additionally, the government should incentivize the adoption of advanced anti-corrosion technologies through tax breaks or subsidies, encouraging oil companies to prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term cost savings.

The environmental and social consequences of unchecked corrosion are dire. Oil spills resulting from corroded pipelines not only result in economic losses but also devastate local communities and ecosystems.

Thousands of families in oil-producing regions face health risks, loss of livelihoods, and displacement due to pollution. In this context, adopting robust anti-corrosion measures is a moral as well as an economic imperative.

Protecting Nigeria’s oil and gas facilities is critical to ensuring the sector’s long-term viability. The cost of prevention, as Odujobi points out, is far lower than the cost of environmental remediation, loss of public trust, and economic decline.

By embracing modern anti-corrosion technologies, fostering local expertise, and enforcing rigorous standards, Nigeria can safeguard its oil and gas infrastructure, ensuring that it remains a pillar of national growth and development for decades to come.