The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ogun Command has called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, infrastructure operators, and communities to safeguard critical national assets in the state.
The Commandant, Mrs Remilekun Ekundayo made the call on Thursday in Abeokuta at a one-day stakeholders meeting, organised by the command.
The theme: “Protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure(CNAI) through effective cooperation, collaboration and coordination.”
Ekundayo emphasised the need to collectively safeguard key infrastructures and facilities that are vital to the nation’s economic stability, public health, and national security.
She listed such facilities to include power transmission lines, oil and gas pipelines, rail networks, communication facilities, industrial complexes, and the Gateway International Airport, among others
She noted that Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) had designated the NSCDC as the lead agency for CNAI protection with the mandate to monitor threats, conduct risk assessments, coordinate responses, and prosecute offenders.
“Protecting CNAI is a shared responsibility.
”The Corps is fully committed to this mandate, but we need the support and collaboration of all stakeholders to ensure effective protection,” Ekundayo said.
She identified vandalism, theft, sabotage, insider betrayal, cyber-attacks, and natural disasters as major threats to CNAI in Ogun state.
She highlighted challenges like inadequate logistics, poor inter-agency coordination, and delayed information sharing, recommending regular review meetings and timely infraction reporting to enhance CNAI protection.
She however, proposed strategies for effective CNAI protection, including enhanced surveillance, intelligence sharing, joint task force operations, and a state-level CNAI Security Task Team.
She called on residents to view asset protection as a shared responsibility, not just a task for security agencies.
Former Police Commissioner in Ogun, CP Edward Ajogun noted that the protection of national assets in Nigeria requires inter-agency cooperation among security agencies through information sharing, joint patrols, and joint operations.
According to him, no single security agency can bear the responsibility alone but called for clearer legal definitions of roles to avoid overlaps and rivalry between security agencies.
“In protecting national infrastructure, all hands must be on deck. It is an inter-agency matter that requires information sharing, joint patrols, and cooperative operations,” he said
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, AIG Olusola Subair emphasised that security is now a collective responsibility, requiring joint efforts beyond government alone.
Subair who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Inter Ethnics Affairs, Mr Hadi Sanni, noted that the traditional reliance on security agencies alone is not sustainable due to limited manpower and growing population.
He emphasised that there must be collaboration among government, security agencies, stakeholders, and communities.
“Everyone must play their role, communities, youth, CDAs, traditional rulers, and security agencies alike. Citizens should actively contribute by protecting local assets, engaging in community vigilance, and reporting issues.
”You should be the chief security officer of your home and community. If you see something, say something. The transformer in your area is your first responsibility before the government takes it up
“Also workshops and sensitisation are needed to build awareness, especially among the youth, since many global challenges begin at the grassroots,” he said.
The event had in attendance, top government functionaries, traditional rulers, community development associations, youth representatives, and security agencies.
