LAGOS, Nigeria – In a bold move to foster local industries and reduce dependence on imports, the Nigerian government has announced a ban on the importation of oil pipelines, particularly from China.
The decision, made by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, was delivered during the launch of Monarch Alloys 33LPE and concrete weight coating facility in Ikorodu, Lagos State, on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
The ban follows growing concerns over the practice of importing pipelines into the country, which has hampered local production and economic growth.
Lokpobiri emphasized that Nigeria must begin prioritizing local companies that produce pipelines, such as Monarch Alloys, to strengthen the nation’s oil and gas industry.
“I’m very happy that companies like this are now springing up in Nigeria,” Lokpobiri said, referring to Monarch Alloys, a company that has been instrumental in ending Nigeria’s reliance on steel imports.
He also addressed the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), urging them to refrain from granting waivers for Chinese pipelines, as doing so undermines local businesses.
The Minister’s comments highlighted the economic ramifications of allowing the importation of foreign goods, particularly in the oil and gas sector.
He emphasized that continued support for local industries would help Nigeria retain jobs and increase its economic value.
“Any pipe we import from any country, we are creating and sustaining jobs elsewhere. Any pipe we buy from this company and other companies like this, we are retaining jobs in Nigeria,” Lokpobiri stated.
The move also aims to reduce the growing issue of pipeline degradation, with many of Nigeria’s existing pipelines being decades old and in need of replacement.
Lokpobiri pointed out that some of the pipelines had outlived their usefulness and were contributing to the country’s inefficiencies.
Monarch Alloys’ CEO, Atul Chaudhary, echoed the government’s sentiments, noting that the company had successfully eliminated the need for steel imports in Nigeria.
He further explained that Monarch Alloys had set up its factory in less than two years and now boasts an annual capacity of 2 million square meters, with the ability to produce up to 500 pipes per day.
The NCDMB’s Executive Secretary, Felix Ogbe, expressed pride in the facility, saying it represents Nigeria’s growing capacity to provide advanced pipeline infrastructure.
Ogbe praised the initiative as a reflection of the country’s commitment to developing a local oil and gas industry.
