The Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu, has warned Nigerians against erecting buildings on gas pipelines.
He warned people residing within the petroleum pipeline network and gas installations areas to vacate as such was illegal and a threat to their lives.
Gana spoke on Sunday against the backdrop of the explosion that rocked the Abule Ado area of Amuwo Odofin, Lagos State.
He added in a statement by Ekunola Gbenga, Media Assistant to the commandant general that: “Tampering, digging; building and erecting kiosks or shops on gas pipeline and dumping/burning refuse around gas facility and pipeline always pose danger to lives and properties of the residents, even parking of vehicles, motorcycles, farming and smoking in gas pipeline areas are very dangerous to human existence.”
Gana warned that government would not hesitate to demolish illegal structures obstructing free flow of movement within the pipelines Right of Way.
The corps also advised residents to desist from further encroachment beyond the approved setback for oil pipeline corridor and gas installation.
The commandant general said the infringement on the statutorily guaranteed “100-metres setback for the infrastructure was not only detrimental to the free flow of petroleum products but was far more harmful to dwellers of illegal structures and shanties due to the combustible nature of hydrocarbon.”
He said, “We encourage residents and other people that live or do business near pipelines, gas installation or any other government asset to report any encroachment to the Civil Defence or other law enforcement agencies.
“I mean we should take adequate steps to protect government installations and take such responsibility seriously and also see it as our collective obligation to report any breach promptly.”
The explosion in Lagos reportedly left no less than 16 people dead and 50 houses destroyed.
