Seplat Energy Plc has urged for the swift remedying of the  challenges posed in the oil and gas sector pertaining to theft and vandalism.

Mr Samson Ezugworie, the Chief Operating Officer of Seplat Energy, made this known during the  Society of Petroleum Engineers Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum 2024 organised by SPE Nigeria Council in Abuja recently.

He also said the execution of corporate social investment programmes in oil and gas-producing communities would promote stability in the energy sector and ensure the security of critical national assets.

Ezugworie noted that pipeline inspections via sensors, drones and robots were essential,  adding that those technologies could detect and locate defects, anomalies, and threats in real-time, and provide data and feedback for maintenance and repair, the Seplat boss also stressed the need for improved response time to address the challenges.

“If you look at what the NNPCL is doing today to combat oil theft, you will see that the journey has already started. The platforms have been built for the collaboration among stakeholders to thrive. But we still see some of these threats recurring.

“In the area of collaboration, we need to improve more when it comes to intelligence sharing. Strong collaboration between government agencies is also very key. The relationship between these government agencies should be very cordial to boost response time when the need arises,” he noted.

He added that operators and the energy industry at large must refocus on sustainability and think long-term.

“In tackling security and ensuring stability in our industry, we must think sustainability and operate responsibly. In doing this, we must collaborate; as we can impact our people and communities more collaboratively,” he advised.

He disclosed that Seplat Energy had executed projects targeted at empowering communities, solving energy problems for the communities and increasing energy access for the people.

“If you keep people empowered and included, they will find fewer reasons to be agitated or violent. Of course, they will become your partners and show a willingness to work with you for the common good of all,” Ezugworie added.

He commended the Federal Government for the recently signed three Executive Orders on the oil and gas sector, identifying the action as a needed step in the right direction.

The first gas from the company’s ANOH gas plant, which achieved mechanical completion in December 2023, would hit the market this year, the seplat boss stated.