Fuel scarcity looms in Lagos

There are rising concerns that Lagos may experience fuel scarcity following the vandalizing of the major petroleum products pipeline installed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in Lagos, which was busted for the second time in three day and now obstruct smooth distribution of petrol to neighbouring states in the southwest.

It was gathered that the pipeline located in Baruwa on the outskirts of Lagos, from, where petroleum products are stored from the Atlas Cove and Mosimi, then, distributed to other states in the south west.

It was narrated that the vandals first set the facility on fire Monday, after a stakeholders’ meeting, which included Baruwa community representatives, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, Pipelines and Petroleum Marketing Company, PPMC, a subsidiary of the NNPC, and Pentagon Security. A private security company was said to be deployed to secure the pipeline last Saturday.

The fire was said to be extinguished on Tuesday but the vandals struck again on Wednesday, blowing up the pipeline and causing huge damage.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit rushing down to the scene to extinguish the fire was hindered by difficulties accessing the location.

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) was said to have occupied the area to secure the pipeline from further attacks.

SOURCE: NationalDailyNG