The Lagos State Government has taken a firm stance against the recurring menace of pipeline explosions, directly linking the tragedy to community silence and illegal encroachment on vital petroleum infrastructure. This strong warning was delivered during a critical stakeholders' meeting held in the Mosan Okunola area of Alimosho Local Government.
Government Declares Zero Tolerance on Pipeline Vandalism
Organized by the State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR), the engagement forum carried the urgent theme: “Preventing Reoccurring Explosions and the Dangers of Encroachment on Petroleum Products Pipelines in Lagos State.” Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, the Director of Oil and Gas, Engr. Adedayo Adereti, described petroleum pipelines as the critical “arteries of the nation’s economy.” He issued a stark reminder that when these arteries are compromised, they transform into sites of catastrophic loss of lives and property.
Engr. Adereti pointed to the painful history of explosions in communities like Abule Egba, Ijedodo, and Atlas Cove as somber examples. “We do not want Mosan or any part of Alimosho to be added to that tragic list,” he emphatically stated, framing the meeting as a preventive measure.
A Call for Collective Responsibility and Action
The government's central message was clear: stopping future pipeline explosions is a shared duty. Officials stressed that governmental efforts alone are insufficient to eradicate the threat without the active involvement and vigilance of the people living near these pipelines. Commissioner Ogunleye, through his representative, made a direct appeal to a broad spectrum of community leaders and residents.
The appeal was directed at:
- Traditional rulers and religious leaders
- Community Development Associations (CDAs) and Committees (CDCs)
- Youth groups and transport unions
- Market leaders, artisans, and all residents
The core plea was for stakeholders to reject complicity through silence and instead embrace a culture of vigilance and immediate reporting of suspicious activities around pipeline right-of-ways. The forum also served as a platform to outline ongoing and planned governmental measures designed to curb these disasters.
Multi-Agency Collaboration for Enhanced Security
The meeting underscored a collaborative approach to the crisis. Representatives from key federal agencies, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), joined officials from other concerned Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Together, they presented integrated strategies and outlined how joint efforts aim to reduce incidents of pipeline vandalism and encroachment to the barest minimum. This multi-layered engagement highlights the severity with which the Lagos State government and its partners are treating the issue of pipeline safety and community protection.
