By Moses Adeniyi
The Lagos State Government (LASG) has declared it would fight to stop the menace of vandalism and theft of public infrastructure, particularly on energy installations, stating every measure necessary would be put in place for the campaign.
The State Government has in terms commenced stakeholders meeting to strategize and collaborate on implementing effective preventive measures.
Addressing participants at a stakeholders’ engagement held at the Lagos State Energy Academy, at Ikeja the State Capital, which brought together state and non-state actors to address the challenges collaboratively, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye stated that the security of public infrastructure stands as one of the most urgent concerns in the state “given the relentless onslaught of brazen vandals who persistently wreak havoc on our critical assets.”
According to him, “Considering the indispensable role of public infrastructure in the economic prosperity, social development, and overall functionality of society, the act of vandalism has profound repercussions in everyone’s life.”
Acknowledging the devastating effect of the unpatriotic act, the Commissioner noted that organised crime is disrupting the opportunities that government investments in modern infrastructure could provide the citizens.
Emphasising on the relevance of constructive dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders towards reducing the vulnerability of infrastructure to theft and vandalism, Mr. Biodun revealed that a key strategic priority to securing the assets is the enhancement of security measures and response mechanism.
“While we recognise the importance of fortifying security measures, concerted efforts among pertinent stakeholders, including government agencies, law enforcement institutions, energy industry players, and community leaders, are indispensable in ensuring that individuals engaged in the vandalisation of public assets are held accountable through legal consequences,” he revealed.
Noting that the endeavour of safeguarding “our collective asset” is beyond the responsibility of security agencies, the Commissioner pointed out that the fight against the scourge of vandalism and theft is a patriotic effort that every member of society must engage in.
The administration of Governor Sanwo-Olu, according to him, is unwaveringly committed to collaborating closely with relevant authorities, and deploying all necessary resources to apprehend and prosecute perpetrators of the criminal act.
“As we join forces to combat this menace, the government will intensify awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of safe infrastructure and state severe consequences of vandalism. It is imperative that all stakeholders, including civil society organizations, non-governmental institutions, local governments, community leaders, youth groups, and other progressive entities, join us in this campaign,” he remarked.
Earlier in her welcome Address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Sholabomi Sasore, described the abuse of public infrastructure as a direct threat to the state’s progress and development.
“The vulnerabilities of these infrastructure are not merely technical; they extend into the realms of physical theft, social instability, and environmental challenges. We therefore must confront these multifaceted issues collectively, as a united front against the forces that seek to compromise the government’s effort,” she maintained.
The Permanent Secretary who revealed that the ever-evolving challenges to the security of public infrastructure requires a united purpose and innovative solutions, expressed that the creation of a fortified network of support will not only secure but also lay the foundation for a more resilient and sustainable infrastructure.
The Chairman House Committee on Energy and Minerals Resources, Hon. Oluwa Sabur acknowledged the strategic importance of assembling critical stakeholders to discuss models of addressing the safeguarding of the state’s critical assets.
Emphasising the essential role of public facilities in the prosperity and progress of the state, Hon. Oluwa urged all stakeholders to support government initiatives towards nipping the menace in the bud.
The meeting had in attendance the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth, Security and Governance, Mr. Kehinde Motajo; Acting General Manager, Lagos State Electricity Board, Mr. Lateef Damilola; Representatives of Head of Government Agencies; Managing Director, LUG West Africa Ltd., Me. Imran Hamzat; Managing Director, LEDCO Ltd., Otunba AbdulRahman Abiola- Odunnowo; Managing Director, Elektron Energy, Mr. Tolabi: Security Agencies and other critical stakeholders.