Akindele Leads Stakeholders’ Sensitisation To Tackle Pipeline Vandalism In Mosan-Okunola LCDA
The Chairman of Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State, Mrs. Adunni Akindele, has hosted the Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources for a stakeholders’ engagement on oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism, as part of efforts to curb the growing menace in the community.
The sensitisation programme attracted key security and regulatory agencies, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Traditional rulers, Community Development Association (CDA) and Community Development Committee (CDC) leaders, religious leaders, and residents of the LCDA were also in attendance.
Officials of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources urged residents to avoid activities that could expose them to pipeline explosions and other hazards. They encouraged the public to promptly report illegal oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism, land degradation, unauthorised excavation, underground water contamination by petroleum products, surface water pollution from oil spills, and exposed petroleum pipelines.
Speaking at the engagement, Mrs. Akindele described the sensitisation exercise as timely and commendable, noting that the local council, in collaboration with the state and federal governments, was intensifying efforts to address oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism.
She said the council was engaging youths through vocational training programmes to provide alternative means of livelihood and reduce their involvement in criminal activities.
“A lot of job opportunities are available, including in paramilitary agencies, but many youths are unwilling to work and instead seek quick money. Pipeline vandalism is unpatriotic, dangerous, and can lead to loss of lives,” she said.
The chairman assured residents that the council would continue to sensitise the community, especially youths, on the dangers and consequences of pipeline vandalism, adding that a larger stakeholders’ meeting would be convened to further deepen awareness.
In his remarks, the Director of the Oil and Gas Department at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Adedayo Adereti, called for sustained collaboration among government agencies, community leaders, and residents to protect critical infrastructure and safeguard lives and property in Mosan-Okunola LCDA.
