As Nigeria’s oil and gas industry grows, so does the urgency of ensuring that all operations are conducted safely and to the highest standards. Quality Assurance (QA) and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) are essential practices in this regard, preventing costly failures, environmental harm, and enhancing production efficiency. However, these critical practices face unique challenges in Nigeria, where aging infrastructure, limited expertise, and regulatory constraints often stand in the way. Mr. Femi Ogboja, a seasoned QA/NDT inspector based in Calgary, Canada, who has extensive experience utilizing industrial radiographic and Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) equipment, shares his insights on overcoming these challenges. His experience points to tangible solutions that could improve Nigeria’s QA and NDT landscape.
Quality Assurance in the oil and gas industry involves systematic processes to verify that equipment, procedures, and operations align with strict safety and quality standards. Non-Destructive Testing, a core part of QA, assesses materials and equipment integrity without causing damage. NDT techniques, such as radiography and MT, are invaluable for detecting hidden flaws that could compromise a facility’s safety, helping operators preemptively address potential issues and maintain regulatory compliance. Mr. Ogboja emphasizes that strict adherence to equipment guidelines and federal regulations has allowed him to operate successfully in Canada’s highly regulated oil and gas sector. “Our work,” he explains, “relies heavily on following manufacturer instructions and complying with all local and national regulations. This meticulous approach has helped prevent equipment failures and protect the environment, while ensuring we adhere to industry best practices.”
There are key challenges undermining Nigeria’s QA/NDT landscape such as infrastructure, shortage of skilled professionals, regulatory challenges, high equipment cost among others. Nigeria’s oil infrastructure is among the oldest in the world, with some pipelines and facilities dating back decades. Aging pipelines are highly susceptible to corrosion, cracks, and leaks, which make regular testing essential. However, deteriorating structures require advanced NDT methods that may not be readily available in Nigeria. Also, NDT requires a specialized workforce trained in operating radiographic, ultrasonic, and magnetic testing equipment. Nigeria faces a shortage of qualified inspectors, leading to gaps in inspection quality and frequency. The absence of rigorous training programs and certification standards hinders the development of a skilled workforce capable of implementing QA/NDT effectively. While there are standards in place, enforcing compliance in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector has been challenging. Regulatory bodies are often stretched thin, and oversight may be inconsistent. This regulatory gap limits the effective implementation of QA and NDT practices.
Another challenge is the high cost of procuring NDT equipment. NDT equipment, such as radiography devices and magnetic particle testers, is costly to acquire and maintain. Smaller Nigerian firms may struggle to invest in this technology, while operators who can access such resources may prioritize cost-saving measures over comprehensive testing. Nigeria’s oil and gas operations often take place in environmentally sensitive areas. Without consistent QA and NDT, these areas are vulnerable to spills and other environmental hazards, which have long-term impacts on communities and biodiversity.
Drawing from his experience, Mr. Ogboja suggests that Nigeria’s oil and gas industry can overcome these challenges by focusing on several core areas such as strengthening training and certification programs. Mr. Ogboja’s experiences highlight the importance of training: “In Canada, training is rigorous, and certification is taken very seriously. Each inspector is expected to complete courses and demonstrate competency in equipment usage.” Implementing similar certification programs in Nigeria, alongside local training centers, would help develop a more skilled workforce. Collaborative programs with international NDT bodies, such as the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), could fast-track the development of certified professionals. Given Nigeria’s aging infrastructure, adopting advanced NDT technology such as digital radiography and phased array ultrasonic testing is crucial. Digital radiography, for instance, allows faster and more precise data analysis compared to conventional methods, which can improve decision-making and reduce downtime. While the cost of this equipment is high, partnerships with international technology providers or government-backed subsidies could help Nigerian companies make these essential investments.
Mr. Ogboja also noted that Canada’s oil and gas sector adheres to strict regulatory oversight, which ensures consistent quality standards. Nigeria’s regulatory bodies can strengthen enforcement by establishing clearer penalties for non-compliance, along with rewards for companies that prioritize safety and quality assurance. This could include mandating regular NDT inspections on aging pipelines and incentivizing firms that adopt best practices. Another solution is to develop local manufacturing for NDT equipment. To address this, Nigerian companies could explore opportunities for local manufacturing of certain types of NDT equipment, such as magnetic particle testing units. With support from the government or partnerships with global NDT manufacturers, Nigeria could build a more cost-effective supply chain, making high-quality equipment more accessible.
Nigeria’s oil and gas sector has enormous potential, and optimizing QA and NDT practices is a vital step toward realizing this potential. By embracing technology, investing in workforce development, and committing to a culture of quality and safety, the Nigerian oil and gas industry can overcome its current QA/NDT challenges and establish a reputation for operational excellence.
The example set by inspection experts such as Mr. Ogboja, offer a blueprint for Nigerian operators. His rigorous adherence to protocols and attention to safety in Canada illustrates the transformative impact of robust QA and NDT programs. For Nigeria, adopting these best practices could protect the environment, safeguard workers, and extend the life of valuable assets.
As Nigeria continues to pursue its vision of a self-sufficient, sustainable oil and gas industry, prioritizing QA and NDT is key. With the right investments and a commitment to innovation, Nigeria’s oil and gas sector can set a global standard for safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
