The Lagos State Government has called on residents of Ejigbo, Egbe-Idimu, Alimosho, Oshodi and their environs to promptly report suspicious moves or vandalism of petroleum pipelines to the government and other relevant authorities.
The Head of the Department of Oil and Gas Department in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Sesan Odukoya, made the call on Monday during a stakeholders’ forum held in Egbe-Idimu.
Odukoya noted that the enlightenment session was important for oil and gas pipeline host communities in Ejigbo, Egbe-Idimu, Alimosho and Oshodi-Isolo Local Council Development Areas to prevent fire outbreaks due to pipeline vandalism.
He said, “The number of avoidable loss of lives and properties claimed by the illegal activities of pipeline vandals is lamentable. To this end, the state government intends to bring to the barest minimum and eradicate fire outbreaks from pipeline vandalism.
“Residents of Ejigbo, Egbe-Idimu, Alimosho, Oshodi and its environs need to be more vigilant to the protection of petroleum products pipelines and ensure that any suspicious move or attempt to vandalise the pipelines are promptly reported to the government and other relevant authorities.”
On his part, a Deputy Director in the Oil and Gas Department, Ayodele Antonio, urged relevant authorities to properly maintain petroleum pipelines and replace them when damaged.
“We want Nigerian National Petroleum Commission, Nigeria Pipeline Storage Company and other relevant authorities to live up to their responsibilities by ensuring constant maintenance and replacement of damaged pipelines. They can do this regularly by monitoring the integrity of the pipelines across the state against erosion and corrosion,” he said.
A Director at the Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr Festus Todowede, advised residents to consult agencies before they erect structures and liaise with the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development for professional advice.
Source:Punch
