Pipeline Blast In Nigeria - UN Offers Help

Following Deadly Fuel Pipeline Blast In Nigeria, Annan Offers UN Disaster Prevention Help

New York, Dec 26 2006

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today reacted with sadness to the news of a fuel pipeline explosion that killed hundreds of people in Nigeria, and pledged the world body’s help in efforts to prevent other disasters from occurring in West Africa.

In a statement released by his spokesman on the blast in the Adule Egba district of Lagos, Mr. Annan extended his condolences to all those affected while noting that the theft of fuel from Nigerian pipelines has become a frequent occurrence, “often with tragic consequences.”

Through his spokesman, the Secretary-General called for a review of Nigeria’s fuel supply management, and of risks that could lead to other environmental or technological disasters in West Africa.

“The United Nations stands ready to assist in this endeavour, and to help in assessing current gaps in risk mapping and disaster response in the region,” pledged Mr. Annan, who completes his second and final five-year term at the end of this week.

ENDS

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