…..Security officials identify vandalism, theft of construction materials and unauthorised U-turns as threats to the infrastructure project.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, has called for a coordinated, multi-agency approach to protect the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway from vandalism and other criminal activities.
The command made the recommendation during a joint inspection of an 18-kilometre section of the highway, involving security officials and the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Olufemi Dare.
The inspection covered the stretch from Okun-Ajah to Oniru, near the Rain Oil area.
The 750-kilometre coastal highway, which runs from Victoria Island in Lagos to Calabar in Cross River State, is regarded as a major national infrastructure project.
The NSCDC said the project should be treated as a Critical National Asset and Infrastructure because of its strategic importance.
Security Officials Inspect Construction Corridor
The inspection team included Lagos State NSCDC Commandant Adedotun Keshinro, Federal Controller of Works Olufemi Dare and the Nigeria Police Force officer responsible for the coastal road.
Dare led the team through construction areas featuring flyovers, interchanges and deep-piled bridge infrastructure.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the project, adding that Works Minister Dave Umahi’s directive to safeguard the road remained binding.
NSCDC Identifies Vandalism Concerns
Keshinro said protecting critical infrastructure would require collaboration beyond the efforts of a single security agency.
He recommended a security strategy involving relevant agencies, government authorities and communities along the highway.
According to the command, officials observed several reported criminal activities, including:
- Theft of manhole covers and iron rods.
- Destruction of fencing.
- Removal of construction materials.
- Vandalism of infrastructure.
- Unauthorised U-turns and other illegal traffic operations.
The NSCDC said stronger coordination could help prevent criminal activities from becoming entrenched and undermining public investment in the project.
Community Collaboration Considered Essential
The command emphasised the importance of involving communities located along the highway corridor in security efforts.
It said cooperation among security agencies and residents would support the protection of infrastructure and help ensure that the coastal highway delivers its intended transportation and connectivity benefits.
The call comes amid previous reports of theft and vandalism along the Lagos section of the highway, including the removal of manhole covers and sections of fencing.
