LASG ENGAGES STAKEHOLDERS IN FIGHT AGAINST VANDALISM, PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE THEFT
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In an effort to reduce the threat of theft and vandalism to public infrastructure, the Lagos State Government organized a one-day stakeholder workshop to discuss strategies and work together to put effective preventive measures in place. Together, state and non-state actors addressed the concerns during the engagement, which took place at the Lagos State Energy Academy, GRA Ikeja.
Speaking to attendees, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, said that, given the state’s ongoing problems with heedless vandals destroying vital assets, public infrastructure security is one of the most pressing issues.
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”.
While acknowledging the disloyal act’s severe effects, the Commissioner pointed out that organized crime is sabotaging the chances that government spending on contemporary infrastructure may offer the populace.
He underlined the importance of positive communication and collaboration among stakeholders in order to lessen the susceptibility of infrastructure to theft and vandalism, adding that improving security measures and response processes is a crucial strategic priority to safeguarding the assets.
“While we recognize 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 vandalization of public assets are held accountable through legal consequences,” he stated.
However, noting that security services cannot be alone responsible for protecting our shared assets, the Commissioner emphasized that combating theft and vandalism is a national endeavor in which all members of society must participate.
He stated that Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration is steadfastly dedicated to working closely with pertinent authorities and allocating all necessary resources to capture and prosecute those responsible for the heinous crime.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Sholabomi Sasore, described the misuse of public infrastructure as a direct threat to the state’s progress and development.
“The vulnerabilities of these infrastructures 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 stated that building a strong network of support will not only ensure infrastructure security but also lay the groundwork for more resilient and sustainable infrastructure. She disclosed that the constantly changing threats to public infrastructure security necessitate a shared goal and creative solutions.
Furthermore, the chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Mineral Resources, Hon. Sabur Oluwa, pointed out that it is strategically important to bring together key players to talk about how to protect the state’s most valuable assets.
Hon. Oluwa emphasized the importance of public infrastructure to the state’s development and prosperity and asked all interested parties to back government efforts to stop the threat before it begins to unfold.
Attendees at the meeting included 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., Mr. Imran Hamzat; Managing Director, LEDCO Ltd., Otunba AbdulRahman Abiola-Odunnowo; Managing Director, Elektron Energy, Mr. Tolabi; Security Agencies; and other critical stakeholders.
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