Professional Assessment of Gas Distribution Network Management Practices in Abuja

Effective management of urban gas distribution networks demands a synthesis of technical competence, regulatory compliance, and commercial acumen. This study conducts a professional assessment of gas distribution network management practices in Abuja, examining the operational frameworks, maintenance governance, and customer management systems of the primary distribution utility serving the Federal Capital Territory. The research employs a professional practice evaluation methodology, combining structured interviews with senior operations and maintenance managers, review of network operations manuals and regulatory compliance records, and benchmarking against international best practices from comparable utilities in South Africa and the United Kingdom. Key management dimensions assessed include asset lifecycle management, network Geographic Information System (GIS) data quality, emergency response coordination, and regulatory reporting compliance with NMDPRA requirements. The study evaluates the integration of technology platforms into distribution management, particularly the deployment of supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems and customer management software. Findings reveal significant management capacity gaps in asset data management and preventive maintenance scheduling, with reactive maintenance accounting for over 65 percent of total maintenance expenditure. The study identifies workforce competency development and investment in network monitoring technology as priority management improvement areas. Recommendations include adoption of an asset management framework aligned with ISO 55001, mandatory SCADA integration for all primary network pressure regulation stations, and structured management development programmes for network operations supervisors. Keywords: gas distribution, network management, Abuja, asset management, SCADA.