The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) across communities in the state.The Command, through its Area A Command, held a community engagement forum on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at the Agege Local Government Secretariat Hall.
The engagement brought together stakeholders from Agege, Agbado Oke-Odo, Ayobo-Ipaja, Ifako-Ijaye, and Ojokoro Local Government and Local Council Development Areas.
Speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr Adedotun Keshinro, described the engagement as timely and strategic, given the rising need for collective action in safeguarding national assets.
He was represented by the Head of the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Department, Deputy Commandant of Corps (DCC) Kolawole Agbetiloye.DCC Agbetiloye commended community stakeholders for their collaboration with the Corps in combating economic sabotage.
He specifically charged members of the scrap dealers’ associations within the communities to strictly adhere to approved operational hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., in line with regulatory guidelines.
In his goodwill message, the Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government Area, Mr Abdulganiyu Vinod Obasa, praised the NSCDC leadership for sustaining strong collaboration with his administration.
He expressed optimism that the partnership would significantly reduce vandalism of public assets and infrastructure within Agege and neighbouring communities.
The chairman further endorsed the initiative, noting that it created a platform for meaningful dialogue on protecting road projects, streetlights, and other security infrastructure recently provided by his administration.
Similarly, the Chairman of Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area, Mr Jimoh Ishola Ejigbadero, represented by Mr Oriade Ademola, urged residents to continue supporting the NSCDC in delivering on its core mandates.
During the interactive session, Mr Ademola raised concerns about the activities of scavengers, identifying them as key actors in asset vandalism who often sell stolen materials to unsuspecting scrap dealers.
The representative of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Assistant Director Mrs Ani Chiamaka, called for intensified collaboration with the Corps to further reduce vandalism.
While commending the NSCDC’s efforts, she stressed the need for enhanced measures to ensure optimal protection of national assets.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Scrap Dealer Employers Association of Nigeria, represented by Comrade Ahmed Idris, assured stakeholders that the association is committed to enforcing compliance with government regulations and existing laws guiding their operations.
The Area Commander, Area A Command, Assistant Commandant of Corps Olusola Oni, alongside Divisional Officers under his command, reaffirmed their determination to confront vandalism decisively and ensure offenders are brought to justice.
The engagement attracted goodwill messages from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos Neighbourhood Corps, National Youth Council of Nigeria, NOA Joint Task Force, Community Development Associations and Committees, as well as market leaders (Iyalojas), among others.
Written by Yemisi Dada