By Emmanuel Nduka
The Nigerian Government has officially banned the importation of oil pipelines into Nigeria, in part of efforts to strengthen local manufacturing and support domestic industries.
Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, announced the ban on Thursday during the inauguration of Monarch Alloys’ 33LPE and concrete weight coating facility in Ikorodu, Lagos.
He emphasized that the move aims to protect local pipeline manufacturers and stop the widespread importation of Chinese-made pipes.
Lokpobiri directed the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to cease issuing waivers that permit such imports, stating, “The pipelines our industry needs are now available locally. Granting waivers for foreign imports undermines our capacity-building efforts and threatens the survival of companies like Monarch Alloys.”
He praised Monarch Alloys for its contributions over the past 15 years and highlighted the need for sustainability through industry support. “If local companies are not patronized, they will naturally shut down,” he said, noting that past leniency towards imports turned Nigeria into a dumping ground.
Lokpobiri affirmed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to ending such practices and will continue to back local businesses. He noted that the integrity of Nigeria’s aging pipeline infrastructure—some over 60 years old—demands urgent attention and presents an opportunity for domestic firms to step in.
“If we continue to rely on imports, we’re exporting jobs and value,” he added. “Supporting local production ensures these stay within the country.”
Speaking at the event, Monarch Alloys CEO, Atul Chaudhary, said the company has grown into one of Nigeria’s leading steel producers. Since its inception in 2023, Monarch has reached a production capacity of 2 million square meters per year and can manufacture up to 500 pipes daily. “We’ve effectively ended steel importation for our operations,” he said.
Also present was NCDMB Executive Secretary, Felix Ogbe, who praised the facility as a milestone in Nigeria’s industrial development. “This project embodies our vision of local content and showcases the power of collaboration between the private sector and government,” Ogbe said.
Lokpobiri concluded with a pledge to monitor Monarch’s growth and ensure government policies continue to foster investment in Nigeria’s oil and gas value chain.
