By Abimbola Joseph
CITIZENS COMPASS– The Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr Biodun Ogunleye, has tasked community leaders to support its effort in addressing the recurring incidents of pipeline vandalism, encroachment, and explosions in the state.
Ogunleye, gave the charge during a crucial meeting to engage stakeholders on pipeline safety, encroachment and explosions at Ikorodu Local Government secretariat on Wednesday in Lagos.
The Citizen Compass reports that the stakeholders includes; traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies, local authorities, landlords’ associations, youth groups
Others are market women, religious leaders, transport unions, civil society actors, and members of the press.
The event, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources was themed: “Preventing Recurring Explosions and the Dangers of Encroachment on Petroleum Products Pipelines in Lagos State.”
Ogunleye, said the engagement was aimed at sensitising residents, empowering community leaders, and strengthening surveillance, urging all stakeholders to play an active role in safeguarding these vital national assets.
He emphasised the critical need for the initiative, citing the rising incidents of disasters linked to unauthorized activities around pipeline corridors and also enlightening stakeholders on dangers and far-reaching consequences of tampering with oil and gas infrastructure.
Ogunleye, represented by Mr Adedayo Adereti, Head of the Oil and Gas department of the ministry, 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.
“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 lives and property.
“If you see something, say something, 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 said
Earlier the traditional ruler of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi,(The Ayangburen of Ikorodu), who was represented by Olukayode Olomo, Baale Ojogbe, stressed the reason why vandalization of pipeline should be curb to the minimal.
Shotobi advised the authorities in charge of the pipeline to carry the traditional rulers along from inception of erecting the pipelines.
Also speaking, Samuel Ugwuon, Falcon Petroleum Ltd, operators of the Falcon pipeline network in Lagos, emphasised the importance of public cooperation in monitoring right-of-way activities.
Ugwuon stressed the need to maintain buffer zones and report any suspicious digging or tampering immediately.
Also speaking, Mr Sanuth Ogunlaja, representative of the Lagos State Safety Commission, highlighted the regulatory frameworks for industrial safety and introduced community-based safety monitoring models emphasising its mandate to enforce compliance and support public education.
Ealier, Mr Olukotun Odunayo, Chief Fire Officer of Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, demonstrated emergency response strategies for pipeline-related fire incidents and encouraged residents to familiarise themselves with emergency protocols and hotlines.
Also speaking, Agbetiloye Kolawole, Deputy Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC) urged stakeholders on intelligence gathering, community surveillance, and early warning systems.
He affirmed the commitment of the NSCDC to working closely with local vigilantes, police, and state authorities to protect pipeline infrastructure.
“Security starts from the community. When you speak up, we can act fast,” said the NSCDC representative.
“Pipeline sabotage is economic sabotage and a direct threat to lives and property.” he said
