The West African Gas Pipeline Limited (WAPCo) has raised alarm over continued illegal mining along its pipeline network, cautioning that the activity poses serious safety and environmental hazards.
Naijaonpoint reports that Temitope Sodeinde, Country Head of External Relations (Nigeria), issued the warning during WAPCo’s Annual Sand Mining Workshop held on Thursday in Igbesa Community, Lagos.
He stressed that illegal sand mining along the pipeline’s right-of-way had resulted in hazardous pits up to five metres deep, threatening the structural integrity of the pipeline.
He noted that multiple excavators and tipper trucks were operating simultaneously, encroaching on established boundaries.
“The company is deeply concerned about the safety of illegal miners operating dangerously close to the pipeline, which poses significant risks to both the community and their livelihoods.
“We are working closely with security agencies to monitor and protect the pipeline,” he said.
Sodeinde stated that the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies had pledged to arrest those involved in illegal mining along the pipeline network.
“This is a high-pressure gas pipeline buried underground. We regularly hold town hall and pipeline awareness meetings to educate communities about the dangers.
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“Mining activities this close to the pipeline risk a catastrophic fire or explosion if disturbed,” he said.
He warned that even a small mistake could lead to disaster, putting lives and property at serious risk.
Chairman of Yewa Zone miners, Balogun Moshood, admitted that illegal mining has caused environmental damage but maintained that most miners under their umbrella are duly registered.
Mr Moshood further alleged that some illegal miners operate with the connivance of security personnel.
“We are educating and monitoring our members to avoid mining near the gas pipeline.
“We will direct them to stop all activities close to the pipeline and maintain the required 100-meter safety distance,” he noted.
Also speaking at the event, Area Commander of Agbara Police, ACP Folashade Tanaruno, urged illegal miners to cease their activities or face arrest.
She stressed that miners must maintain at least 100 meters distance from the pipeline to avoid potential explosions.
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Area Commander of the NSCDC, Mrs Esther Odesanya, confirmed that security agencies had stepped up surveillance and would continue to arrest illegal miners.
She also urged all miners to obtain proper mining certificates before operating in the area.
The Oloja-Ekun of Igbesa Kingdom, Oba Abdul-Aziz Akinde, condemned illegal mining, calling it an act of economic sabotage and a grave threat to communities along the pipeline.
Represented by Oba Nasir Olayemi, the Olodan of Odan, cautioned residents against allowing illegal miners to operate near the pipeline.
He said: “The palace has petitioned the Federal Government and established a committee to verify miners’ licenses.
“There is no excuse for violating legal frameworks. We are collaborating with law enforcement to ensure proper action is taken.”
Naijaonpoint