An Assessment of the Challenges Confronting Government in Securing Crude Oil Pipelines and Strategies of addressing them in Bonny Island, Nigeria
Publication Date : 28/07/2025
Author(s) :
Volume/Issue :
Abstract :
The Nigerian Oil sector is the most important source of revenue to the nation. In the last two decades, the sector has suffered challenges of frequent pipeline vandalism by some criminal groups, an event that has led to a reduction in the quantity of crude oil being explored. This article attempts to assess the challenges associated with the government's efforts in securing the pipelines and provides strategies for addressing the challenges of the crude oil vandalism with particular reference to the Bonny Oil Terminal. The article adopts a qualitative methodology through the use of both primary and secondary sources of data collection. Primary data were generated through Key Informant Interview (KII), and secondary data were utilized using books, journals, articles, conference papers, and government documents that are related to the subject matter. It also uses frustration–aggression theory to analyze the challenges and ways to remedy them. The findings of the article reveal that there is a significant relationship between pipeline vandalism and the effective functioning of the Bonny terminal. Equally, part of the modes of operation by the vandals is the use of equipment to puncture the pipelines. They have experts who are engineers who use a hose to link the oil from underground. They cover it so that it will not be detected, and then connect the hose to a far place where the refining takes place. They also have a big boat that is solely used for transporting oil to its selling destination, among other modus operandi. Consequently, it is recommended that a robust community policing program be established with residents in maintaining the safety of pipelines, which would complement the patrol work of the security agencies. Oil companies that operate in Bonny should provide adequate economic opportunities in Bonny in order to reduce this crime. Keywords: Crude Oil, Securing Pipelines, Oil Bunkering, Bonny Island, Nigeria
No. of Downloads :
0