Nigerian Gas Company ( NGC) on Monday warned members of the public against gas pipeline encroachment and vandalism.
NGC gave this warning as it kicked-off its sensitisation campaign against gas pipeline encroachment and vandalism at Ajaokuta council area of Kogi State.
The enlightenment campaign, which took off from the Palace of the Ohi of Eganyi Kingdom, witnessed a roadshow where the people around the community were sensitised about the dangers involved in the encroachment of gas pipelines.
Addressing the people of Eganyi Community at the Palace, Seyi Omotowa, managing director of NGC, Warri, who was represented by the public affairs manager of NGC, Darlington Samuel, told the crowd that gathered at the palace that encroachment of gas pipelines could lead to loss of life and property.
READ ALSO: Nestle SA increases stake in Nestle Nigeria with 1.1m share purchase
He noted that encroachment of gas pipelines was not only dangerous but also a crime punishable by the laws of the land.
He further advised those who are farming and building houses on gas pipeline right of way to desist from such actions as it could lead to disaster.
Omotowa said, “We are here to inform and enlighten the people of Ajaokuta about the dangers involved in encroaching on gas pipelines right of way.
“As a Federal Government, we want to ensure that our property and your property is secured. We also want to ensure that your lives are not put in danger.
“We all know that this is a Federal Government project and this is why we have come to tell these communities that little action and inaction can lead to disaster and loss of lives.
“If there is a little gas leak in any of the gas pipelines and we have a little spark of fire around that area, the whole place will be on fire. This is what we are trying to avoid.”
Responding, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Musa Idaho Achuja, the Ohi of Eganyi and Chairman Traditional Council of Ajaokuta, commended NGC for the enlightenment campaign saying that it was a good thing that NGC have taken the pains to come to enlighten the community.
