The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) is advocating for the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to combat insecurity, vandalism, and recover approximately $3.57 billion lost in the oil and gas sector.
Comrade Festus Osifo, PENGASSAN President, emphasised the urgency of implementing AI-powered solutions to tackle crude oil theft and vandalism, which threaten Nigeria’s economic survival.
“With over 133 million people living in multidimensional poverty, largely due to losses in our sole export revenue source, it is imperative we act decisively,” Osifo said.
Nigeria, the world’s 10th largest oil producer and Africa’s third, boasts an oil reserve of 37.1 billion barrels and 206.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Yet, oil theft and vandalism hinder progress.
He stressed the need for AI-driven surveillance, predictive analytics, and automated threat detection systems to combat crude oil theft and ensure infrastructure integrity.
PENGASSAN also called for improved accountability and transparency in the oil and gas sector, particularly in monitoring petroleum products’ loading and distribution.
Osifo addressed Labour Writers Association and Energy Correspondents in Lagos, emphasising the critical role AI can play in tackling insecurity across Nigeria.
“By embracing AI, we can enhance security, reduce revenue loss, and stimulate economic growth,” Osifo said.