The case of Lagos and its environs is presented because of its strategic importance to Nigeria. Lagos is
Africa’s most populous city and is endowed with four ports which accounts for over 50% of Nigeria’s
seaborne trade; including refined oil importation through the Atlas Cove depot (Fig. 1 & 2). Transport
pipeline interdiction (see, Church et al. 2004) is the deliberate damaging of oil pipelines by third-party(s).
Interdiction is a major problem in Nigeria, resulting in pollution of environmental receptors (water, air, land),
fire incidents with high fatality cases and loss of properties. Apart from interdiction (which, dependent on
one’s view, may be interpreted as sabotage, theft or vandalism), there are other causes of pipeline breaks such
as corrosion, mechanical failure or rupture (Lyons 2002, Capelle et al. 2008, Lilly et al. 2007). This paper
aims to examine the problem of pipeline interdiction in Nigeria with specific focus on Mosimi region (Lagos).
It further attempts to answer the question; what risk does petroleum transport infrastructure pose for an urban
environment like Lagos? Environmental footprint in the context of this paper refers to pollution and associated
consequences caused by interdiction and other aspects of oil transport operations. These footprints can be
assessed by how well crude/refined products or oil waste are absorbed into the contiguous environment where
the infrastructures are located. Petroleum transport infrastructure in the context of this article includes
pipelines, depots, pump-stations, marine station, boosters, refineries and other associated accessories