Army to start demolition of structures for NNPC’s pipeline project

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has announced that the Army Engineering Corps will soon begin to demolish illegal structures along the corridor of its System 2E pipeline network.

The network stretches from Port Harcourt, PHC-Aba-Enugu-Makurdi.

This was made public in a statement on Sunday by NNPC’s Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu.

Ughamadu said that the flagrant and dangerous violation of NNPC pipeline right-of-way by some individuals and communities along the corridor of the system 2E pipeline network stretching from Port Harcourt-Aba-Enugu-Makurdi, was worrisome.

According to him, the infringement on the statutorily guaranteed 25-metres setback for the infrastructure was not only detrimental to the free flow of petroleum products but was far more harmful to dwellers of illegal structures and shanties due to the combustible nature of hydrocarbon.

He went further to say that as first step towards eventual removal of such structures by the team of Army Engineering Corps, that NNPC’S downstream subsidiary, Nigerian Pipeline and Storage Company (NPSC), did extensive consultation and enlightenment exercise targeted at violators in affected communities.

He said they have to embark on that because of the safety and wellbeing of the people, which remain paramount.

Ughamadu added that based on penetrating reconnaissance executed by the Army engineers stretching from Ogale-Eleme community in PH-Aba axis to Otade community in Enugu-Makurdi leg, structures in violation of the pipeline safety corridor have been identified and clearly marked with notice of imminent removal served on affected occupants.

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He said that prior to this development, the national oil company in concert with the Army Engineering Corps executed successful clearance of the system 2B pipeline ROW from the Atlas Cove in Lagos to Ibadan. He noted the inseparable link between the cases of oil pipeline right-of-way-encroachment and incessant pipeline vandalism cum oil theft with attendant negative effect on the economy.

He also said that the creation of the minimum 25-metres buffer for the pipeline was designed to allow for maintenance, repairs and replacements of pipelines as need may arise, while ensuring the security and safety of the facility.

He added, “The buffer also ensures that those living contiguous to the lines are shielded in cases of leakage, rupture or explosion.”

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