Oil Pipelines Act
The Oil Pipelines Act regulates the construction, maintenance, and operation of oil pipelines in Nigeria. Originally enacted in 1956, it provides the licensing framework for pipeline operators and establishes safety and environmental standards for the transportation of petroleum products by pipeline.
Legal area: Law relating to the production, transportation, and regulation of energy resources including oil and gas.
Year enacted: 1956
Full text: https://lawsofnigeria.placng.org/laws/oil-pipelines-act.html
Key Provisions
- Part II: Licensing for the construction and operation of oil pipelines
- Part III: Powers of entry and compulsory acquisition of land for pipelines
- Part IV: Safety regulations and environmental protection requirements
- Section 9: Application for pipeline license
- Section 14: Compensation for land acquisition
- Section 23: Offences relating to pipeline vandalism and interference
Significance
The Oil Pipelines Act is a key statute in Nigeria’s petroleum sector, governing the infrastructure essential for transporting crude oil and refined products. Given Nigeria’s position as a major oil producer, the Act plays an important role in ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of petroleum.