The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ondo State Command, has called on stakeholders to intensify efforts in protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI), stressing their importance to the nation’s economic growth.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ coordination meeting on CNAI in Akure on Wednesday, State Commandant Oluyemi Ibiloye said the engagement was in line with directives from the Office of the National Security Adviser through the NSCDC Commandant General.
He emphasized the need for security agencies, government, and citizens to jointly tackle vandalism and destruction of vital facilities.
“Our CNAI are the things that make life easy for us. We know the pains people go through when power transmission or telecommunications are disrupted.
Roads, when damaged, also expose people to accidents and loss of lives,” Ibiloye said.
He noted that although the rate of vandalism in Ondo State remained relatively low, the command had arrested some suspects who were already facing prosecution.
Also speaking, Mr. Olumide Atilara, Regional Head of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), decried the vandalisation of transformers, cables, and power lines, which he said had hindered service delivery.
“For instance, about 8,000 meters of aluminum conductors were carted away recently, leaving communities in darkness and causing economic hardship,” Atilara stated, urging security agencies to strengthen surveillance around power facilities.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Mr. Sule Abdulaziz, represented by Akure Centre Principal Manager, Mr. Okedele Sunday, appealed to community leaders to partner with security agencies in safeguarding national assets.
The Chairman of Ondo State Information Technology Agency (SITA), Mr. Tomide Akiribido, pledged government support, disclosing plans to deploy CCTV cameras and remote sensors for enhanced security of facilities across the state.
The meeting also witnessed the inauguration of a 32-member State Coordination Committee for the protection of CNAI, with representatives from the FRSC, Correctional Service, ALGON, Police, Federal Fire Service, DSS, Army, and the Council of Traditional Rulers in attendance.