FIC Report (Lagos State) – The Lagos State Government has emphasized its zero-tolerance policy against pipeline vandalism and illegal encroachment on petroleum product pipelines, warning that community silence is a major driver of recurring pipeline explosions.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement in Mosan Okunola LCDA, Alimosho Local Government Area, Director of Oil and Gas in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Adedayo Adereti, described petroleum pipelines as “the arteries of the nation’s economy,” warning that when compromised, they often lead to devastating loss of lives and property.
“We have seen the painful consequences in Abule Egba, Ijedodo, Atlas Cove, and other communities. We do not want Mosan or any part of Alimosho to be added to that tragic list,” Adereti said.
Honourable Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, emphasized that preventing future explosions requires collective responsibility. “The power to stop the next explosion does not lie only in Abuja or government offices in Ikeja. It lies here in your streets, your compounds, and your conscience. A vandal cannot dig for days without someone noticing. An illegal structure cannot spring up overnight without neighbours seeing it,” he stated.
Ogunleye urged stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents, to reject silence and embrace vigilance. “When communities choose silence, criminals succeed. When communities choose courage, criminals fail,” he emphasized.
The government outlined measures to curb pipeline-related disasters, including digital mapping of pipelines, removal of illegal structures, deployment of surveillance technologies, and collaboration with security agencies.
Ogunleye assured residents of protection and cooperation with whistleblowers. “All these efforts will amount to nothing if the community is not awake. We call on Mosan residents to become a model community with zero tolerance for pipeline vandalism,” he said.
Representatives from regulatory bodies and concerned ministries presented strategies to reduce pipeline vandalism. The engagement was attended by government officials, traditional institutions, security agencies, community leaders, and the press.
Signed
Iyedeh O. David
ACIO
FIC Lagos
18/12/2025
