June 9, (THEWILL)- As Nigerians, we’ve grown accustomed to a disturbing reality – the rampant vandalism and theft of public infrastructure across the country. From railway tracks and power transmission equipment to streetlights, road signs, even the newly constructed Second Niger Bridge, nothing seems sacred anymore. This insidious problem has reached a worrying stage, threatening to spiral out of control the same way kidnapping has become a monstrous issue plaguing our nation.
The motives behind these acts are as simple as they are selfish – to make money at the expense of the greater good. Every new piece of infrastructure erected for public benefit becomes a target, with some individuals hell-bent on stripping it bare, hindering its smooth operation and depriving citizens of the very amenities meant to improve their lives.
The statistics are staggering. According to the Nigerian Railway Corporation, over 150,000 rail clips were stolen by vandals along railway tracks across the country between 2022 and 2023 alone. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) revealed that 109 transmission towers were destroyed by vandals in just nine months, with incidents reported in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Enugu and Benin.
In one particularly egregious case, a video circulating on social media showed suspected vandals uprooting and selling the railings installed on the Second Niger Bridge, a vital infrastructure project costing around N336 billion.
These acts of sabotage have far-reaching consequences. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has warned of potential fuel scarcity due to rampant pipeline vandalism in areas like Idimu, Lagos. The TCN has been forced to divert funds earmarked for grid expansion to repair vandalised power equipment, setting back the nation’s efforts to improve electricity supply. Worse still, the lives of citizens are being endangered, with incidents like the recent train derailment near Kaduna caused by the removal of track fastening clips by vandals. The question that begs to be answered is: Why? Why are people so willing to destroy the very infrastructure meant to benefit them and their communities? The answers are complex, but a few key factors stand out.
Firstly, there is a pervasive lack of patriotism and civic responsibility. Too many Nigerians have grown disillusioned with the state, viewing public property as fair game for personal gain. This attitude is exacerbated by the widespread corruption and mismanagement that has plagued our nation for decades.
When citizens witness those in power enriching themselves at the expense of the public, it breeds a dangerous sense of entitlement and disregard for the common good.
Secondly, poverty and unemployment remain major drivers of criminal behaviour. In a nation where millions struggle to make ends meet, the temptation to resort to illegal activities like vandalism can be overwhelming, especially when the perceived rewards seem so lucrative.
However, we cannot ignore the role of greed and opportunism. For some, the act of vandalising public infrastructure is simply a business – a way to make quick money by exploiting the vulnerabilities in our security systems and selling off the stolen goods to willing buyers.
Regardless of the motivations, the consequences are clear: The destruction of public infrastructure impedes economic growth, hampers development and erodes the social fabric that binds us as a nation.
So, what can be done? The solution lies in a multifaceted approach that addresses the root causes while strengthening our defences against these nefarious acts.
At the core, we need a renewed commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability. When the citizens see their leaders upholding the highest ethical standards and working tirelessly for the greater good, it fosters a sense of national pride and discourages the kind of selfish behaviour that fuels vandalism.
Concurrently, we must invest in robust security measures to safeguard our infrastructure. This includes deploying advanced surveillance technologies, increasing patrols, and implementing stringent penalties for those caught engaging in acts of vandalism.
The recent call by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for security agencies to go after criminals destroying economic assets in the oil-rich region is a step in the right direction.
However, addressing the socio-economic factors that drive people toward crime is equally crucial. We need comprehensive programs aimed at alleviating poverty, creating job opportunities, and providing vocational training – particularly in the communities most affected by these issues. Education and public awareness campaigns are also essential, instilling a sense of civic responsibility and highlighting the far-reaching consequences of vandalism.
One promising solution that has been proposed is the implementation of a community-based policing model, where local vigilante units are empowered and integrated into a national security framework. By leveraging the intimate knowledge and investment of local communities, we can create a formidable deterrent against those who would seek to harm public property.
Additionally, we must explore technological solutions that can aid in identifying and tracking perpetrators. The use of biometric data, facial recognition systems, and advanced surveillance cameras can help us attribute acts of vandalism to specific individuals, making it harder for them to remain anonymous and evade justice.
Ultimately, solving this problem requires a collective effort – from the highest echelons of government to the grassroots level. It demands a cultural shift, where we as Nigerians embrace a newfound respect for public property and a genuine desire to protect the infrastructure that serves us all.
Each piece of infrastructure we allow to be vandalised or stolen represents a missed opportunity to uplift our communities and pave the way for a brighter future. It is a stark reminder of our collective failure to safeguard the common good.
The time has come for us to say, “enough is enough.” We must stand united against those who seek to undermine our progress and work tirelessly to create a Nigeria where public infrastructure is respected, protected, and allowed to fulfil its purpose – improving the lives of all our citizens.
To not do anything about this problem we leave us with an untannable menace to society in no time.
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