The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, stakeholders, and industry players to protect critical national infrastructure from vandalism and economic sabotage.

Commandant of the Akwa Ibom State Command, CC Bashar Kefas Hussaini, made the appeal during a one-day roundtable engagement held at the NSCDC Command Headquarters in Uyo. The event brought together key players across various sectors to align strategies for the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI).

In his address, Commandant Bashar emphasized the strategic importance of critical infrastructure particularly in the power, telecommunications, oil and gas, and mining sectors to Nigeria’s economic growth and stability. He stressed the need for unified efforts and firm commitment to enforce the national protection plan already in place.

“Protecting these vital assets is not a task for NSCDC alone. It requires synergy from all stakeholders, including the private sector and sister security agencies,” Bashar stated.

The engagement featured detailed presentations from sector regulators and stakeholders. Representatives from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) addressed the importance of securing power infrastructure. Similarly, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) highlighted vulnerabilities in the telecoms sector, while the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) stressed the significance of protecting oil and gas investments.

The Federal Mines Officer also raised concerns about illegal mining activities in the state, warning of both environmental degradation and loss of government revenue due to unregulated operations. He called for collaborative efforts to curb the menace.

Security agencies in attendance—including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Navy, FRSC, Federal Fire Service, NDLEA, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, and the Department of State Services (DSS) reaffirmed their readiness to support the NSCDC in tracking vandals, intercepting stolen infrastructure, responding to community reports, and sharing critical intelligence.

The operational roadmap for CNAI protection—coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) was presented by DCC Essien Udim Sunday, Head of CNAI Operations. Legal implications of vandalism and infrastructure sabotage were addressed by DCC Yongu Paul, Esq, Head of Legal Services at the Command.

The session concluded with a joint commitment from all stakeholders to bolster intelligence sharing, strengthen inter-agency cooperation, and raise public awareness on the importance of protecting Nigeria’s critical infrastructure.

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