Wale Jagun
In its effort at finding solutions to the recurring incidents of pipeline vandalism in Ikorodu, the Lagos State Government during the week engaged stakeholders.
The stakeholders meeting which held at the Ikorodu Local Government Secretariat hall was convened by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, to seek the support and cooperation of members of the community and at the same time, enlighten them on the dangers of tampering with oil and gas infrastructure.
The engagement was themed, “Preventing Recurring Explosions and the Danger of Encroachment on Petroleum Products Pipelines in Lagos State”
Addressing stakeholders present at the event, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, emphasised the critical need for the initiative, citing the rising incidents of disasters linked to unauthorised activities around pipeline corridors.
He noted that across different communities in the state, including Ikorodu, petroleum product pipelines have come under increasing threats, leading to avoidable disasters, loss of lives, and destruction of property.
Ogunleye added that the engagement was aimed at sensitizing residents, empowering community leaders, and strengthening surveillance, urging all stakeholders to play an active role in safeguarding these vital national assets.
The commissioner, who was represented at the event by the Head of the Oil & Gas Department of the Ministry, Engr. Adedayo Adereti, reiterated the administration’s unwavering commitment to a multi-agency, community-driven strategy to protect critical energy infrastructure, particularly in fast-growing areas such as Ikorodu.
Ogunleye urged participants to report suspicious activity, resist illegal construction along pipeline Right of Way (RoW), and educate local residents on the inherent dangers of encroachment.
“If you see something, say something,” he charged the audience.
“Vandals and illegal bunkering operators thrive in silence. But when a community is informed, united, and proactive, it becomes impossible for such illegal activities to persist,” he added.
He also outlined key efforts already in progress by the Lagos State Government, including mapping of pipeline routes, collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and engagement with security agencies and the National Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), formerly known as DPR.
Earlier, the representative of HRM Oba Kabiru Shotobi, Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Chief Olukayode Olomo, stressed the reason why the vandalization of the pipeline should be eradicated.
He advised the authorities in charge of the pipeline to carry the traditional rulers along from the inception of erecting the pipelines.
Speaking on behalf of Falcon Petroleum Ltd, operators of the Falcon pipeline network in Lagos, Engr. Samuel Ugwu shared operational insights and safety protocols and emphasised the importance of public cooperation in monitoring right-of-way activities.
The representative of the company stressed the need to maintain buffer zones and report any suspicious digging or tampering immediately.
Also speaking, a representative of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Engr. Sanuth Ogunlaja highlighted the regulatory frameworks for industrial safety and the introduction of community-based safety monitoring models.
The Commission, through its representative, reiterated that safety is a shared responsibility, emphasising its mandate to enforce compliance and support public education.
Also speaking at the stakeholders meeting were Chief Fire Officer of Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mr. Odunayo Olukotun and a Deputy Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Agbetiloye Kolawole.
