Evaluation of risk management practices in Nigeria liquefied natural gas plant maintenance in bonny island rivers state Nigeria

This study evaluated risk management practices in civil infrastructure maintenance at Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), Bonny Island, Rivers State, with the aim of improving asset reliability and sustainable plant operations. The study specifically identified the major risks inherent in civil infrastructure maintenance, examined the risk management practices adopted, assessed the challenges affecting their effectiveness, and proposed sustainable strategies for improvement. The study was anchored on Risk Management Theory, Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) Theory, and Asset Lifecycle Theory. A descriptive and analytical survey research design was adopted, while primary data were collected through structured questionnaires and interviews administered to fourteen (14) respondents selected from a population of fifteen (15) using the Taro Yamane formula. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Relative Importance Index (RII), and Spearman Rank Correlation at a 5% level of significance. The findings revealed that corrosion, environmental exposure, ageing infrastructure, and harsh marine conditions constitute the major risks affecting civil infrastructure maintenance at NLNG. Routine inspections, preventive maintenance, risk assessments, Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM), and Risk-Based Maintenance (RBM) were identified as the principal risk management practices adopted, while inadequate maintenance funding, shortage of skilled personnel, operational pressures, ageing infrastructure, and limited deployment of digital monitoring technologies were found to hinder effective risk management. The study further established that sustainable practices such as predictive maintenance, lifecycle planning, digital monitoring systems, continuous staff training, and improved interdepartmental coordination significantly enhance infrastructure reliability and maintenance effectiveness. The study concluded that strengthening risk-based and technology-driven maintenance approaches is essential for improving asset integrity, operational safety, and sustainable plant operations at NLNG, and recommended greater investment in predictive maintenance technologies, maintenance funding, personnel development, and integrated risk management systems.