Ongoing concerns about the high rate of pipeline explosions in Nigeria have prompted the oil and gas sector to roll out a new training scheme for welders and inspectors.

According to recent studies, while some of the explosions are the result of illegal tapping of pipes, many are caused by poor welding practices, a fact that had led the government to step up training in the field.

Specifically, the indigenous Inspection and Tests Limited (ITL) has been working alongside Cambridge University's The Welding Institute (TWI) in providing Nigerians with up-to-date training in the field of welding inspection and non-destructive testing, with the focus on the oil and gas sector.

"So, what the oil and gas industry is going to gain through the training and certification of indigenous welding inspection personnel include better skilfully-handled jobs, less problems of ruptured pipes, quality control and excellence in service delivery," ITL chief executive Sam Onyechi Azoka told Newswatch.

To date, more than 40 welding inspectors have attended the training courses, with the initiative having been used by employees of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, (SPDC), Mobil and Agip, among others.

Oil & Gas Directory: Training & Development