A Special Ad-hoc Committee of the House of Representatives has pledged to ensure the rehabilitation of oil and gas pipelines across the country.

The chairman of the committee, Dr. Ghali Mustapha Tijjani, who spoke during the inaugural session on Thursday at the National Assembly complex, Abuja, assured that the Committee will identify the root causes of oil and gas pipeline vandalism and other related vices in the oil and gas sector over the last 10 years.

Tijjani (NNPP: Kano) disclosed that the Committee will critically examine the condition of oil and gas depots across the country and formulate a strategic approach that will ensure their effective and efficient operations.

He further stated that rehabilitating critical pipeline infrastructures across the country and ensuring the full restoration of operations at the NNPCL/NPSC Depot in Ore, Ondo State, would be part of the major preoccupation of the committee.

Tijjani stressed the vital role of the Ore Depot in the storage and distribution of petroleum products nationwide, adding that its prolonged inactivity
has caused disruptions in supply chains, led to scarcity, and contributed to the rising cost of petroleum products across Nigeria.

He also highlighted that the pipelines supplying and evacuating products to and from the depot have either been vandalised or rendered obsolete due to years of neglect.

He further stressed that frequent breaches and acts of vandalism not only result in extensive environmental degradation and loss of livelihoods but also lead to substantial revenue losses, further straining the nation’s economy and national security architecture.

He warned that the deterioration of Nigeria’s oil and gas pipeline network is not merely a technical issue but a direct threat to energy security, undermining the nation’s potential for sustainable economic development.

He concluded by affirming that the outcome of the committee’s work will significantly support the Federal Government’s efforts to reposition the economy and place Nigeria firmly on the path of sustainable prosperity.

Stating that the initiative aligns seamlessly with the vision of the 10th House of Representatives and the broader legislative agenda of the National Assembly to support good governance and drive national development, he urged his colleagues to commit fully to the assignment, work in the best interest of the country, and ensure their deliberations are factual, thorough, and result-oriented.

The newly formed committee was established following two strategic motions adopted by the House of Representatives on March 11th and 12th, 2025.

These motions brought to the forefront the pervasive issue of petroleum pipeline vandalism and the urgent need to rehabilitate the Ore Depot, which has been non-operational for years due to vandalism and deteriorating supply infrastructure.