Strategic use of GIS in controlling pipeline vandalism of oil and gas industry in Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria is among the top ten nations of the world that is endowed and blessed with oil and gas. However, the oil and gas industry has contributed a lot in generating revenue to the country but unfortunately that has not impacted much to the social and structural developments of the people in Nigeria. Level of poverty increased which led to high rates of crime and criminal behaviors like petroleum pipeline vandalism that is common in the oil communities in delta state of Nigeria. This type of crime is mostly committed by the jobless youth who are looking for alternative means to success. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential use of GIS as a strategic tool for oil and gas industry for controlling pipeline vandalization in the oil communities of Jesse, Ekakpamre, and Oviri in delta state of Nigeria with objectives set to support the aim of study. GIS techniques were used and it abilities were demonstrated in controlling petroleum pipeline vandalism using ArcGIS 10.2 software. The analysis used includes hotspot analysis, kernel density analysis and proximity analysis, and hyper link to show the photographs of the vandalism incidents. In addition, pattern of vandalism incidents in the form of pie and bar charts. The results of this study proven that GIS can be used as a strategic tool for oil and gas industry as well as it can be a useful tool for decision makers to plan, control and monitor the pipeline vandalism in Nigeria.