Expert Outlines How ICT Can Revolutionize Oil and Gas Sector

With numerous challenges facing Nigeria’s oil and gas sector; an industry expert and also former technical advisor to the Ministry of Petroleum Resources; Rabiu Suleiman has called for higher investments in Information Communications Technology (ICT) to fully harness the huge economic potential the petroleum sector holds.

Suleiman, an engineer also pointed out that the 2021 edition of the Nigeria International Petroleum Summit (NIPS); which started on 6th of June 2021 in Abuja; provides a great opportunity at this critical time for the Oil & Gas sector in Nigeria; with the focus on how to leverage ICT to transform the sector and also the economy at large.

Suleiman said “ICT plays a significant role in optimization, efficiency, as well as technology advancement and all that. The most sensitive equipment in the process plants in the oil and gas industry is the programmable logic controllers; online analyzers and also all other instrument that control process, temperature, flows and pressure. So, if a company such as Huawei focuses attention on optimization; efficiency, control and improvement, maximization of production it will be very good.”

“ICT is also key in security. You can easily integrate various ICT components in terms of monitoring of volume flows; temperature, attack, corrosion, contamination, and also communication; you can tie all these to a dedicated command and control center.

He also noted that with Huawei’s oil & gas solutions; it is possible to manage pipeline damages “Yes; this has been a major challenge over the years which has greatly affected the economy. However, there are no ICT solutions to manage these occurrences. It is now possible to track the pipelines and also keep them safe through technology. With this in place, more revenue can be generated”.

“ICT has really proven useful across other industries. I believe it is time for the oil & gas industry to embrace more ICT. There are new ICT innovation coming up to help tackle most of the challenges faced in the industry. Also, I know Huawei Technologies has been coming up with some new solutions for the petroleum industry.”

“Regarding oil exploration; it is now possible to achieve up to 5 percent more oil productivity at a reduced cost of investment using ICT. There are now ICT solutions that make oil extraction easier at a lower price than what is used to be.

“ICT is also useful for data management. The oil & gas industry handles lots of information and a lot of it has been paperwork. There is therefore a need for digital transformation to foster efficiency in the way information is stored using ICT.

Suleiman also spoke on the need for quick energy transition to renewables like solar, hydro and wind, to safeguard the environment. “Nigeria is abundantly blessed with renewable energy sources. Sunlight is in abundant, from here in Abuja to the far north. It can be captured and converted into solar system. The main engine for growth is to have uninterrupted power supply.

“Look at the three Nigeria refineries, none of them is producing aviation kerosene, why? Because of the ingress of water into the system and the inability of the laboratory to detect moisture content and poor knowledge of operators who are reluctant to apply new technologies because they are afraid to carry out certain decisions.”

Suleiman expressed joy that Huawei will also be on ground at the 2021 edition of the Nigeria International Petroleum Summit (NIPS).

Huawei is a global giant with more than 30 years of expertise in ICT. However, according to Huawei’s website, the company works with 253 Fortune Global 500 companies as a digital transformation partner, including 14 out of the global top 20 Oil & Gas companies from 45 countries and regions around the world.

He urged the company to create robust awareness on the benefits of leveraging ICT to lower crude oil production cost; tackle issues around pipeline vandalism; boost Nigeria’s refining capabilities, among other benefits.

Credit: BusinessDay

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