Sand mining: Major threat to gas pipelines -WAPCo

Concerned stakeholders in Nigeria’s mining industry yesterday gathered for the annual West African Gas Pipeline company limited (WAPCo) at the Lagos Sheraton hotels to discuss the devastating effects of illegal sand mining on communities and gas pipelines.

In his opening remarks, the External Relations Manager for WAPCo, Koffi Mensah argued that illegal sand mining has remained a major threat to gas pipelines which cuts across four countries in West Africa- Nigeria, Benin, Togo and Ghana.

 “We have over the years battled these illegal sand miners, informing them of the dangers because of the gas pipeline Righ of Way (ROW), specifically around Ota, Igbesa and Pako beach in Lagos state.

“If decisive actions are not taken now, the host communities risk a major disaster that could cut across borders. So, it’s important we work out a synergy between various relevant institutions, including traditional rulers on how to stem the tide before it’s too late,” Mensa added.

He advised that as a matter of urgency, government agencies responsible for issuing mining licenses must ensure the Right of Way of gas pipelines are delineated on all documents pertaining to license for mining activities as well as a the need for universal surveys for all the lands.

Also reacting at the event, representatives of the minister of Mines and Steel, Engr Omosebi Mayowa who is a federal mines officer, explained that the ministry is actually working assiduously at ensuring that due process is followed when it comes to issuing mining license.

According to him, it is important for all stakeholders to look inwards in finding solutions to the activities of these illegal miners, noting that traditional rulers also have a key role to play because they are closer to the people.

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