The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Lagos State Government have renewed efforts to tackle vandalism of critical public infrastructure across the state.
This commitment was reaffirmed during a strategic meeting between the Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Mr. Olufemi Daramola, and the Lagos State Commandant of NSCDC, Mr. Adedotun Keshinro, at Alausa.
Both parties emphasized the need for stronger collaboration during road construction projects to prevent the destruction of fibre optic cables and other underground utilities.
They also highlighted concerns over vandalism of manholes, bridge cover slabs, and illegal occupation of spaces beneath bridges.
The NSCDC reiterated that safeguarding critical national assets including roads, bridges, telecommunication cables, power installations, oil and gas pipelines, and rail infrastructure, remains central to its mandate.
Commandant Keshinro assured the state government of the Corps’ readiness to deepen cooperation in protecting public assets.
He further urged the government to collaborate with the Nigerian Communications Commission to properly identify underground fibre optic networks and prevent accidental damage during construction works.
The Lagos NSCDC Command disclosed that it has conducted 32 community engagement sessions involving scrap dealers, infrastructure operators, religious leaders, traditional institutions, and other security agencies.
The engagements align with directives from the Office of the National Security Adviser on the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.
At the close of the meeting, both agencies agreed to establish a joint technical committee and open direct communication channels to coordinate operations more effectively and curb vandalism across the state.
Written by Yemisi Dada