NNPC allays fears, assures Lagos residents leaking gas pipeline is isolated

*The Nigerian National Petroluem Company (NNPC) Limited urges residents of the affected areas not to panic, as all necessary safety measures have been activated to avert any further escalation of the gas leakage incident in the state

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Following the reported gas leakage in the area early hours of Wednesday, November 3, 2021, the Nigerian National Petroluem Company (NNPC) Limited informs the general public, especially those living within the Anifowoshe area of Ikeja, in Lagos State, that the gas pipeline has been isolated and the general area cordoned off.

The NNPC said that road construction and rehabilitation activities in the area had caused the  incident.

Malam Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director/CEO of NNPC Limited

Mr. Garba Deen Muhammad, Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of NNPC, in a statement Wednesday explained the preliminary findings indicated that at about 8.40a.m, November 3, a pipeline gas leakage was reported around Anifowoshe, Ikeja Underbridge, Lagos State.

The pipeline is a 6-inch gas pipeline supplying gas to Mainland Power Limited, near Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, the company stated.

Muhammed noted the NNPC immediately moved in by engaging Gaslink Limited, its franchise partner operating the pipeline, mobilised to the location, cordoned off the area, and successfully isolated the gas pipeline at Oba Akran Valve pit.

Meanwhile, the company urges the residents of the area not to panic, as all necessary safety measures have been put in place to avert any further escalation of the incident.

The statement added: “NNPC’s team of maintenance engineers are collaborating with Gaslink team at the site to ensure that gas supply services to  areas affected by the incident  resume within the next 48 hours.”

ConsumerConnect reports             the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) earlier had raised an alarm following a report of a gas pipeline leakage in some parts of Ikeja, the Lagos State capital.

The agency identified the affected areas to include the popular Computer Village, Ikeja Underbridge end of Obafemi Awolowo Way, Oba Akran axis, Anifowose Street, and Medical Road.

Ibrahim Farinloye, Spokesperson for NEMA (South-West), had also encouraged the residents to avoid any open fire in the affected areas.

Farinloye said Wednesday in a statement: “Residents around Computer Village, Underbridge Awolowo Way, Oba Akran axis, Anifowose Street, Medical Road, must not open shops or use open naked fire for safety reasons.

“Distressed alert just received indicates massive leakage of gas pipeline around these areas. Residents are advised to take safety precautions to prevent any form of disaster.”

Following the report, the Spokesman for NEMA South-West also confimered later that  the gas leakage has been brought under control.

He urged the residents to go about their daily routine without any worry, while officials continued to divert traffic around the affected areas.

Kindly Share This Story