Keji Mustapha
Akwa Ibom State Commandant, CC Bashar Kefas Hussaini has solicited for the collaboration and support of all stakeholders in the protection of critical infrastructure and fighting acts of vandalism and economic sabotage to a standstill.
The NSCDC boss made the call at a one day stakeholders engagement held at the NSCDC Command headquarters in Uyo on Wednesday, 10th September, 2025 to harness efforts of stakeholders and security agencies towards successful implementation of action plan for the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure
Comdt Bashar highlighted the strategic importance of critical infrastructure and investments in power, telecommunications, oil and gas, mining etc to Nigeria’s overall economy and called for concerted efforts and commitment to implement the protection plan put in place.
The meeting featured stakeholders from different sectors who made valuable contributions to the conversations; highlighted the economic and strategic importance of their services to the nation’s economy and profered suggestions on how the task of protecting CNAI from vandalism can be coordinated and achieved.
Presentations on Power were made by representatives of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC). The Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) made presentation on telecommunications while the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) focused on the oil and gas sector, its strategic importance to the economy and why investments in them should be protected from acts of sabotage.
In the same vein, the Federal Mines Officer explored the economic significance of mining, and the dangers posed by illegal miners who neither pay royalty to government, nor mine responsibly to preserve the environment from degradation and called for support in combating illegal mining activities in Akwa Ibom State.
Also present at the meeting were security agencies who were officially notified of their significant supportive role in the protection of critical infrastructure to include: arresting vandals, impounding vehicles conveying suspected vandalized items, handing over arrested suspects and exhibits for diligent investigation and prosecution, responding to calls from communities relating to vandalism and sharing relevant intelligence on the subject. The security agencies in attendance included: The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), The Nigerian Navy, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Federal Fire Service, NDLEA, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correction Service and the DSS who all made valuable contributions and commitment to collaborate in protecting critical infrastructure.
Action plan for CNAI operations coordinated by the Office of the National Security Advisor (ONSA) were presented by HOD CNAI, DCC Essien Udim Sunday, while the legal implications of acts of vandalism were espoused by DCC Yongu Paul, Esq, the Command’s head of Legal Services.
SC Friday Ekerete, ANIPR
Public Relations Officer
NSCDC Akwa Ibom State Command
For State Commandant
