Expert Advocates Robotics To Protect Infrastructure

Regional director for West Africa of the Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Technical Section of the Society of Petroleum Engineers International (SPE International), Prof. Chinedu Ogwus, has called for the accelerated adoption of robotics and autonomous systems to safeguard Nigeria’s oil infrastructure, improve workplace safety and enhance operational efficiency in the petroleum industry.

At the 25th anniversary of NOG Energy Week 2026 in Abuja yesterday, Ogwus said robotics was no longer a futuristic innovation but a practical solution to many operational and security challenges confronting Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector.

In a keynote address titled, “Enhancing Efficiency and Safety in Nigeria’s Oilfields through Robotics and Autonomous Systems,” the energy policy expert urged industry operators, policymakers, regulators and investors to embrace intelligent technologies capable of strengthening oilfield security, boosting productivity and supporting sustainable energy development.

According to him, robotics, artificial intelligence and autonomous systems are transforming the global petroleum industry by making oilfield operations safer, smarter and more efficient.

He noted that countries investing in intelligent automation are recording significant improvements in operational performance, asset management and workplace safety, stressing that Nigeria must not be left behind.

Ogwus identified crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering as major threats to Nigeria’s petroleum industry, adding that robotics offers an effective response to these persistent challenges.

He explained that autonomous drones, robotic surveillance systems, AI-powered cameras and intelligent sensor networks can provide continuous monitoring of pipelines, wellheads, flow stations and export terminals, enabling operators and security agencies to detect suspicious activities early, prevent sabotage and significantly reduce production losses.

The presentation featured practical case studies on robotic pipeline integrity inspections, AI-driven predictive maintenance, intelligent asset monitoring and robotic tank inspection technologies already deployed in leading oil-producing countries.

The delegates also witnessed a demonstration of Elon Musk’s Optimus humanoid robot, showcasing the growing role of advanced robotics in industrial operations and the future of human-robot collaboration in the energy sector.

The keynote session attracted government officials, regulators, executives of international and indigenous oil companies, investors, technology providers, researchers and engineering professionals from across the energy value chain.