Urban Expansion Risk Assessment of Petroleum Pipeline Infrastructure Using GIS in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract

Rapid urbanization in oil-producing regions poses significant risks to energy infrastructure, particularly petroleum pipelines that traverse densely populated communities. This study examines spatio-temporal land-use changes and urban expansion patterns along a petroleum pipeline corridor in Oguta Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria. Multi-temporal Landsat satellite imagery for 2002, 2012, and 2022 obtained from the United States Geological Survey was analyzed using supervised classification techniques in ArcGIS Pro. Land-use classes were categorized into built-up areas, vegetation, bare land, and water bodies. Change detection analysis revealed a significant increase in built-up areas within the pipeline corridor over the 20- year period, accompanied by a decline in vegetation cover. Spatial overlay analysis further reviewed that urban expansion progressively occurred within legally restricted pipeline right-of- way buffer zones. This pattern of encroachment increases infrastructure vulnerability and potential environmental risk. The study demonstrates how GIS-based spatial monitoring can support proactive pipeline safety management and sustainable land-use planning. Findings highlight the need for stronger enforcement of right-of-way regulations and integration of geospatial monitoring tools in energy infrastructure governance.

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