Library / Page | 1 MIDSTREAM AND DOWNSTREAM PETROLEUM OPERATIONS REGULATIONS, 2024
Page | 1 MIDSTREAM AND DOWNSTREAM PETROLEUM OPERATIONS REGULATIONS, 2024

Page 43 of 101
 
 
Page | 43 
 
64. (1) The licensee shall, on completion of the construction of the 
pipeline, give the Authority not less than Fourteen (14) working days 
written notice of its intention to commence inspection and testing of the 
pipeline, in the format prescribed by the Authority. 
 
(2) 
Pipeline systems shall be equipped with real time monitoring and 
Inspection systems. 
(3) 
The inspection and test plans (ITPs) including factory acceptance 
tests (FATs) for line pipes and ancillary equipment i.e., long lead items 
(LLIs) shall be submitted to the Authority and all functionality test of same 
shall be witnessed by representatives of the Authority in a manner 
prescribed in the guideline issued by the Authority.  
Inspection 
and testing 
 
65. (1) A licensee shall not commence operation of a pipeline without the 
prior approval of the Authority; 
 
(2)  the right of way shall be maintained to provide a clear visibility and 
give access to the maintenance crew; 
(3) clear access shall be maintained to valves locations, and ditches 
shall be protected against washout of the pipeline; 
(4)  the right of way shall be regularly patrolled and inspected for prompt 
detection of any line break, encroachment or any other situation that 
may endanger the safety of the pipeline; 
Operations 
and  
maintenance 
 
66. (1) A licensee who desires to upgrade or downgrade the maximum 
operating pressure of a pipeline or pipeline network shall make an 
application to the Authority. 
(2) A licensee shall make an application to the Authority where it desires 
to change the nature of the fluid transmitted by the pipeline. 
Pipelines re-
rating and 
change of 
service 
 
67. (1) A licensee who wishes to discontinue the operation of the pipeline 
system or its ancillary facilities shall apply to the Authority giving at least 
three (3) months' written notice of his intention to do so, as prescribed by 
the Authority. 
(2) A licensee who desires to resume operations in an abandoned or a 
discontinued pipeline shall, prior to the resumption of operations, apply 
to the Authority for approval. 
Discontinuation, 
abandonment, 
and resumption 
of operation of 
pipeline System 
 
68. Where a pipeline or pipeline network is to be completely abandoned, 
such pipeline or pipeline network shall be decommissioned pursuant to 
the procedures prescribed in Regulations made by the Authority. 
Decommissioning 
and 
abandonment of 
a pipeline