1. Public assets under attack by vandals plundering infrastructure
2. Multimillion public assets targeted by vandals looting bridge.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Public infrastructure in Nigeria is under attack by miscreants who destroy and steal them without cause. This destructive behaviour not only leads to financial losses but also endangers public safety and disrupts essential services.
The Menace of Vandalism
On June 7, 2024, the Lagos Rapid Response Squad officers apprehended an 18-year-old boy for stealing LED road stud lights from the newly renovated Third Mainland Bridge. The suspect, identified as Mubarak Abdullahi, was caught removing these essential road safety lights that enhance visibility for road users.
The Impact on Infrastructure
LED road lighting significantly improves visibility, safety, and energy efficiency. These lights are crucial for reducing accidents and operational costs on bridges like the Third Mainland and Niger bridges. The cost of replacing vandalized infrastructure can be substantial, with LED road stud lights in Nigeria costing between N7,000 and N15,000 per unit.
Government Response
The government has taken measures to protect vital infrastructure from vandals. The Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps and the Rapid Response Squad have made arrests of individuals caught vandalizing public property. However, despite these efforts, vandalism continues to pose a threat to critical infrastructure.
Financial Burden on the Economy
The financial implications of infrastructure vandalism are staggering, with Nigeria losing approximately N76 billion ($200 million) annually due to these criminal activities. This figure includes repair costs, replacements, and the broader economic impact of service disruptions.
President’s Call for Action
President Bola Tinubu has condemned the recent acts of rail track and electricity cable vandalism, labeling them as economic sabotage with severe impacts on the national value system. He has called for a change in the national value system to ensure progress and deter such destructive behaviour.
Securing Nigeria’s Infrastructure
To combat the rampant vandalism of public infrastructure, experts recommend enforcing stringent laws, implementing advanced surveillance technologies, and fostering private sector collaboration. These measures are crucial to protecting Nigeria’s valuable infrastructure and ensuring the nation’s development and well-being.
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“Public assets under attack by vandals”
“Vandals plunder bridge in multimillion asset theft”.
