From Marcel Duru, Owerri
Imo State Government has adopted advanced satellite technology to map and monitor its oil and gas facilities, marking a major step in managing its natural resources. The state’s Commissioner for Petroleum Development, Hon. Barr. Emeka Mgbudem, explained that this initiative helps create a detailed record of oil wells, pipelines, and other infrastructure—even in hard-to-reach swamps and high-risk areas. Speaking in Owerri over the weekend he stated that With support from the state government, officials are using satellite images to locate and document oil and gas assets.
He added that the technology includes: Optical imaging: to spot surface structures like rigs and roads. Radar imaging: to see through clouds and thick vegetation, detecting pipelines and wellheads. And also to tackle challenges like swamps and conflict zones, Imo State is using custom software tools that analyze satellite data, identifying key features such as heat from gas flares or hidden equipment. This allows the government to track oil operations without relying solely on reports from companies.
“The project has produced a digital map of all oil and gas sites in Imo State, including wells, manifolds, flow stations, refineries, and storage tanks. This database will help in: Ensuring companies follow regulations. Detecting oil spills or illegal activities and Planning future energy projects. The Commissioner noted that by using satellite technology in addition to native architecture, Imo State gains more control over its resources, improving transparency and decision-making. “This effort not only boosts the state’s economy but also helps protect the environment and secure energy resources for the future.” He stated
