Nigeria: Illegal Dredging Threatens Pipelines

According to Businessday, operators in the gas distribution channel have raised alarm over what they termed threat to the gas pipelines particularly in the Badagry axis of Lagos State, by the activities of illegal sand dredgers.

Adesegun Oniru, the state commissioner for Waterfront Development and Infrastructure said: “Sand dredgers are depleting the sand along the Iworo-Ajido-Bagagry coastal area at an alarming rate which is threatening the operation of the pipelines system and the livelihood of residents in the area.”

Despite several warnings by Lagos State to illegal sand miners to desist from the act or face prosecution and possible jail terms, the illegal activities have continued and are posing a huge threat to gas distribution channel particularly in the Badagry.

“With continuing depletion of the coastal landscape, there is a possibility of ocean surge which could adversely impact the livelihood of the residents,” commissioner conluded.

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Dredging Today Staff, April 30, 2012;