The Edo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Agun Gbenga, has emphasized the urgent need for a collaborative approach to protect Nigeria’s critical national assets and infrastructure. During a stakeholders’ meeting held in Benin, Gbenga underscored the vital role these assets play in the nation’s prosperity and stability. He highlighted the vulnerability of these systems, including power plants, transport networks, communication facilities, and water treatment plants, to a range of threats, both internal and external. These threats encompass cyberattacks, terrorism, sabotage, and vandalism, demanding constant vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard their operational integrity. Gbenga stressed the importance of collective responsibility and urged all stakeholders to work together in protecting these essential services. The meeting served as a platform for representatives from various sectors, including security agencies, telecommunication companies, electricity distribution and transmission companies, and community leaders, to deliberate on strategies for enhanced protection of critical national assets.
The collaborative protection of critical national assets and infrastructure emerged as the central theme of the stakeholders’ meeting. The discussion revolved around the recognition that Nigeria’s progress and stability are inextricably linked to the uninterrupted functioning of these vital systems. Disruptions to power supply, transportation networks, communication channels, or water services can have cascading effects on various aspects of national life, impacting the economy, security, and overall well-being of the citizenry. Participants acknowledged the diverse nature of threats facing these assets, ranging from sophisticated cyberattacks targeting digital systems to physical acts of sabotage and vandalism. The Commandant’s call for collective action emphasized the shared responsibility of all stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector entities, and local communities, in safeguarding these critical resources.
The stakeholders’ meeting provided a forum for representatives from different sectors to share their perspectives and expertise. The Head of Department, CNAI, NSCDC Edo Command, DCC Sule Muhammad, highlighted the importance of continuous surveillance of national infrastructure as a key element in preventive security measures. Lt. Col. David Aghedo (retd.), Chief Security Officer of BEDC, drew attention to the escalating problem of vandalism, noting with concern that the perpetrators are often educated individuals. This observation points to the complexity of the challenge, suggesting that vandalism is not simply a matter of economic desperation but may involve organized crime or other motivations. Aghedo’s remarks underscored the need for more robust security measures and public awareness campaigns to deter such acts.
Representatives from the power sector also voiced their concerns regarding threats to critical infrastructure. Engr. Matthew Ariyibi, Assistant General Manager, Benin Region, TCN, highlighted the dangers posed by scavenger activities around transmission facilities. He specifically warned against the practice of erecting shops under transmission towers, emphasizing the potential for accidents and disruptions to power supply. This concern reflects the broader challenge of encroachment on critical infrastructure corridors, often driven by population growth and urbanization. The meeting brought to light the need for stricter enforcement of regulations and community engagement to mitigate these risks. The insights shared by representatives from different sectors underscored the interconnectedness of the challenges and the need for a holistic approach to safeguarding national assets.
Beyond the immediate context of the Edo State meeting, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, broadened the discussion to encompass the protection of the Trans Niger Pipeline. Speaking directly to host communities, General Musa urged them to take ownership of the pipeline and other national assets located within their territories. He emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding these assets, highlighting the fact that the negative consequences of illicit activities, such as oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism, are borne primarily by the communities themselves. This appeal resonated with the theme of shared responsibility that permeated the stakeholders’ meeting. General Musa’s message underscored the importance of community engagement and empowerment in protecting critical infrastructure, recognizing that local communities are often the first line of defense against threats.
In conclusion, the discussions and pronouncements from the Edo State stakeholders’ meeting and the Chief of Defence Staff highlighted the critical importance of collaborative efforts in protecting Nigeria’s vital assets. The meeting brought together representatives from various sectors, fostering a shared understanding of the challenges and the need for collective action. The emphasis on continuous surveillance, community engagement, and the recognition that threats originate from both internal and external sources underscored the complexity of the issue. The call for communities to take ownership of national assets located within their territories highlighted the crucial role of local involvement in safeguarding these resources. The overarching message was clear: protecting Nigeria’s critical national assets and infrastructure requires a multi-faceted approach involving all stakeholders working together to ensure the nation’s prosperity and stability.
