Advanced Pipeline Surveillance Technologies and Infrastructure Security in Nigeria: Challenges, Opportunities, and Adoption Trends

This study examines the challenges, opportunities, and adoption trends associated with advanced pipeline surveillance technologies and infrastructure security in Nigeria. Using a quantitative survey design, data were collected from pipeline operators, regulators, service providers, and industry experts to assess the causes and consequences of unplanned leaks, the effectiveness of existing management strategies, and the state of surveillance and monitoring practices within the sector. The findings reveal that corrosion and external damage constitute the most significant causes of pipeline leaks, while ageing infrastructure remains a major driver of increasing incident trends. Respondents identified environmental, economic, health and safety, and reputational impacts as severe consequences of pipeline failures. The results further indicate that spill incidents remain widespread across the industry, with over 90% of respondents reporting at least one spill event within the previous three years, suggesting that pipeline failures are systemic rather than operator-specific. Although current integrity management strategies were considered moderately effective, significant gaps remain in inspection coverage, maintenance practices, and real-time monitoring capabilities. The study highlights the growing importance of advanced surveillance technologies, including drones, smart sensors, satellite monitoring, fibre-optic systems, and integrated SCADA platforms, in improving pipeline security and leak detection. However, adoption is constrained by financial limitations, inadequate technical capacity, regulatory challenges, and infrastructure deficits. The study concludes that strengthening pipeline security in Nigeria requires greater investment in advanced monitoring technologies, enhanced regulatory enforcement, robust integrity data management systems, community participation, and sustained capacity development.