The Lagos State House of Assembly has called for stronger security measures and stricter prosecution of infrastructure vandals and their collaborators as part of efforts to protect public assets across the state.
The lawmakers made the call during plenary on Monday while deliberating on the growing destruction of roads, bridges and other government facilities in different parts of Lagos.
They urged the state government to strengthen community-based security structures by providing improved training, equipment and support for the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps and other local security outfits to enhance surveillance and prevent vandalism.
The Assembly also stressed that the fight against vandalism should go beyond arresting suspects, insisting that individuals and businesses that purchase, trade or profit from stolen public property must also be identified and prosecuted.
The position followed a motion sponsored by the lawmaker representing Ikorodu II, Moshood Aro, who expressed concern over the increasing destruction of public infrastructure, particularly within the FESTAC area.
According to Aro, vandalism places an additional financial burden on residents because taxpayers ultimately fund the repair and replacement of damaged facilities.
He argued that government resources should not be repeatedly spent on rebuilding infrastructure destroyed by criminal elements and called for greater scrutiny of scrap dealers and other operators linked to the illegal trade in stolen materials.
Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, supported the proposal, emphasising the need to tackle both vandals and those who create a market for stolen government property.
He also urged ministries, departments and agencies responsible for enforcing infrastructure and environmental laws to intensify public awareness and ensure full implementation of existing regulations.
Other lawmakers noted that the problem extends beyond individual constituencies and affects communities across Lagos State.
The Assembly maintained that a combination of stronger security surveillance, effective prosecution and public awareness would be critical to protecting infrastructure and reducing the financial losses associated with vandalism.
