During a recent interview at the Nigerian Corrosion Association (NiCA) annual conference in Port Harcourt, Blessing Ibungein highlighted the urgent need for government investment in corrosion control. NiCA advocates for enhanced personnel training, advanced production equipment, and increased research efforts to improve professional performance in this crucial area, ultimately benefiting both the industry and the country’s economy.
The call for collaboration among the government, educational institutions, industries, and communities was emphasized as vital to addressing corrosion challenges and ensuring environmental sustainability. This appeal was made during the ongoing conference, where new executives were also inaugurated to lead NiCA in the coming years.
Prof. Auwal Kazim, the newly elected president of NiCA, underscored the importance of the gas sector to Nigeria’s economy, stating that its sustainability is essential for national progress. In his address on the theme “Management of Corrosion in the Midstream and Downstream Oil and Gas Industry,” he emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to tackle corrosion issues, particularly in safeguarding infrastructure across homes, offices, and industries.
“Corrosion management is a matter of national importance, especially as we strive to optimize operations in the midstream and downstream sectors,” Prof. Kazim remarked. He pointed out that the consequences of unchecked corrosion extend beyond financial loss, affecting safety, environmental integrity, and operational efficiency throughout pipelines, storage facilities, and refining infrastructure.
He asserted, “Corrosion threatens vital assets unless addressed with advanced strategies and cutting-edge solutions. Over the years, NiCA has raised public awareness and partnered with the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to develop a much-needed corrosion standard in the country.”
Prof. Kazim further noted that corrosion is a widespread issue affecting various sectors beyond oil and gas, including residential areas. He advocated for the introduction of corrosion as a dedicated course in Nigerian universities to equip students with essential knowledge in this field.
“Nigerian universities should incorporate corrosion into their curriculum. Currently, many institutions focus only on materials and methodologies, lacking a dedicated course in corrosion engineering, which is crucial for the future,” he stated.
Uche Ekekwe, the national conference chairman, added, “The process of corrosion can be viewed as nature’s way of returning metals to their original state, as they existed before being mined or refined.”
Other attendees echoed the call for universities to introduce corrosion courses within engineering departments, emphasizing the importance of specialization in this critical area of study.
