GODFREY GEORGE writes on how several public infrastructure have been under attack by miscreants who destroy and steal them without cause
On June 7, 2024, the Lagos Rapid Response Squad officers apprehended an 18-year-old boy for stealing LED road stud lights from the newly renovated Third Mainland Bridge.
The suspect who was said to live in Makoko, a slum settlement in Lagos, was identified as Mubarak Abdullahi.
LED lights are energy-efficient, long-lasting lighting solutions using light-emitting diodes to produce bright, clear illumination.
LED road lighting, according to experts, significantly improves visibility, safety, and energy efficiency.
Installed on bridges like the Third Mainland and Niger bridges, LEDs reduce accidents and operational costs.
LEDs offer lower energy consumption, longer lifespan, and reduced maintenance compared to traditional lighting.
At the time Abdullahi was arrested, it was gathered that he had already removed 10 of the LED road stud light screwed to the road to enhance the visibility of road users.
According to Safety Nigeria, an online emergency and safety website, an LED road stud light in Nigeria costs between N7,000 and N15,000 per unit.
These prices reflect products available in the market, which include features such as solar charging, waterproof capabilities, and high durability for road safety applications.
By implication, if Abdullahi had succeeded in stealing 10 of those studs, the government would have spent N150,000 to replace them. This excludes the cost of fixing the studs back to the road.
A month before Abdullahi’s arrest, RRS, a unit of the Lagos State Police Command, commenced a 24-hour bike patrol on the Third Mainland Bridge.
The Commander of RRS, Olayinka Egbeyemi, who gave the directive had said then that it was a measure to protect the bridge and prevent the incidence of harassment of road users by miscreants.
“CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi appealed to motorists and road users to co-operate with the riders so that they can serve them better,” RRS had said in a statement.
The decision to begin this patrol came after a 46-year-old man, Friday Nwafor, was arrested by officials of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps for vandalising the road light indicators on the newly renovated Third Mainland Bridge.
Mr Jubril Gawat, a senior special assistant to Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, confirmed this on his official X handle, stating that Nwafor was arrested and immediately handed over to the police.
Gawat stated, “Tuesday, May 8th, 2024, officers of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps apprehended a road infrastructure vandal who was vandalising the newly constructed Third Mainland Bridge road light indicators.
“The suspect was identified as Mr Friday Nwafor, a 46-year-old male resident of Lagos, who was immediately taken into our custody and handed over to the Commissioner of Police, Lagos Command, Mr Adegoke Fayoade.”
These came just weeks after the reopening of the bridge after massive reconstruction and refurbishing by the Federal Government which started in 2023.
The Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, stretching over 11.8 kilometres, is an iconic infrastructure project.
It plays a critical role in the daily commute of millions of Nigerians, linking the mainland to Lagos Island.
Despite its importance, the bridge has been a target for vandals.
The removal of bridge railings had been recorded in the past before the repairs were made.
The financial burden of maintaining and repairing this bridge is substantial.
For instance, the Federal Government allocated N4.8 billion ($12 million) for its maintenance in 2021 alone.
Reports have pegged the cost of the routine repair of the Third Mainland Bridge infrastructure in six years at N15.6 bn.
The just-concluded maintenance and repair cost the Federal Government the total sum of N6.28 bn for surface maintenance. The 24-month repair covered 11.8 kilometres, including interchanges, ramps, and critical links.
It will be recalled that in 2018, the government approved N18.87 billion for renovation, which was contracted to Borini Prono an Italian construction firm that constructed the bridge.
These millions, mostly from taxpayers’ pockets, would go to waste if nothing is done to protect Nigeria’s critical infrastructure from vandals.
Despite these arrests by authorities, on July 19, 2024, a vandal attacked and stole iron reinforcement in the concrete barrier which demarcated the Ogudu Garden Valley scheme from System One Channel (Odo Iya Alaro) in Lagos.
The suspect, who was apprehended by officials of the Lagos State government confessed that he had engaged in the act once before he was caught.
He also said he had some accomplices who were now on the run.
He stated that he usually sold the vandalised iron at a giveaway amount to mobile scrap buyers.
He has been handed over to officers of Ojota Police Station for further interrogation and prosecution.
Speaking on the development, the state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, urged residents to always take ownership of public infrastructure.
He added that the concrete barrier which demarcates the Ogudu Garden Valley scheme from System One Channel (Odo Iya Alaro) was constructed in 2011 and is a vital infrastructure for the state drainage system.
He said it is only when residents take direct ownership that such criminally minded people in the society would be kept at bay and not allowed to destroy multi-million naira infrastructure that serves the majority.
He emphasised that the full force of the law would always be applied to those caught vandalizing public infrastructure.
Vandals on Second Niger Bridge
In May, the Federal Government raised the alarm over vandalism on the superstructure of the Second Niger Bridge.
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, reported the destruction of the expansion joints, which are crucial for absorbing thermal expansions of the bridge.
Despite the deployment of a private security outfit by the Federal Ministry of Works, such acts of vandalism continue unabated.
This was disclosed in a statement by the minister’s Special Adviser (Media), Orji Uchenna-Orji, in Abuja.
The Niger Bridge, connecting Onitsha in Anambra State to Asaba in Delta State, is another vital infrastructure asset.
Constructed in the 1960s, it has been essential for trade and transportation between Nigeria’s eastern and western regions.
However, vandalism, particularly the theft of metal components, has compromised its structural integrity.
In 2017, the Nigerian government allocated over N5 billion ($13 million) for its rehabilitation.
Speaking on the vandalism, Uchenna-Orji stated, “The Minister condemns in the strongest terms this ruthless destruction of the expansion joints as a deliberate act of sabotage on a key national infrastructure that has immense socio-economic benefits to the contiguous States and indeed the entire Nation.”
Quoting the minister, he said, “It is saddening that a human being with the right senses could destroy such a critical and strategic treasure that catalyses Nigeria’s socio-economic advancement.”
“The Minister notes that the Second Niger Bridge, handed over to the Renewed Hope administration on December 12, 2023, is one of the PIDF projects intended to bridge the gap in road infrastructure for the people of the area, boosting economic activities by expanding access into the southern part of Nigeria, creating opportunities for tourism and trade, and improving road safety along the corridor.”
Orji added that it was disheartening that the facilities were being vandalized by those who were meant to benefit from them.
He also praised the public for their vigilance, especially the young Nigerians who raised the alarm that trended widely on media platforms.
Orji assured the public that a more robust security architecture was being activated to prevent further damage, while a technical team has been directed to inspect, evaluate, and repair the damaged parts of the superstructure.
He urged all road users, residents, and authorities within the 1.6km concrete box girder bridge of the Second Niger Bridge, the two secondary bridges of 21.7m each on Amakon village road, the cloverleaf interchange at Onitsha-Owerri road, and the approach roads between Asaba, Delta State, and Onitsha, Anambra State, to help monitor against vandalism and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
The ministry also promised to reward anyone who arrests or provides useful information on the identity of those vandalizing the Second Niger Bridge or any road infrastructure nationwide.
The Federal Government appealed to states and communities where such projects are located to take ownership and help safeguard them.
Power infrastructure vandals
Between January 2022 and September 2023, a total of 108 power transmission towers were destroyed by vandals in various parts of the country, according to data obtained from the Transmission Company of Nigeria.
It was gathered that the vandals destroyed 132kV double circuit power transmission lines, and 330kV double circuit lines, and carried out soil excavation that threatened transmission towers, as the Federal Government described the development as sabotage.
The vandalism of transmission towers occurred in the Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Enugu, and Benin regions, though the government, through TCN, had contracted out the repairs of some of the vandalised towers.
It had also deployed in-house engineers of the transmission company to work on other vandalised towers.
An analysis of data from the transmission company showed that 27 towers were vandalised in the Abuja region during the review period, while nine towers were destroyed in the Lagos region.
The Kano region recorded the highest number of destroyed transmission towers, as 52 towers were vandalised in the region during the review period, while 10 towers were shattered in each of the regions of Enugu Benin.
Nigeria’s power grid collapsed twice in September 2023, throwing the country into widespread blackouts in both cases.
The government and consumers blamed this on sabotage and destruction of transmission facilities.
According to information obtained by The PUNCH, TCN stated that in 2023 alone, it had recorded over 10 incidents of vandalism at different degrees across its regions, especially attacks on its transmission towers.
It stated, “In the Kano region of TCN, 49nos. towers were vandalised; Osogbo region, 51; Abuja region, 19; Enugu region, 18; among others. Nine towers, from Tower 56 to Tower 65 along the Papalanto/Abeokuta 132kV transmission line, located in the Obafemi Owode area of Ogun State, were all massively vandalised, leading to their collapse on May 23, 2023.
“As a result, Abeokuta and its environs were out of power supply for some days as the company had to supply bulk electricity through an alternate line, to enable Ibadan Disco (distribution company) to distribute electricity to its customers whose supply was affected by the incident.
“In the same vein, there were frequent activities of vandals in the TCN Aba sub-region in August 2023, with repair costs totalling about N23. They include 122No earthing copper conductors and 244No copper cable lugs with N366,000 worth of galvanised bolts and nuts carted away.”
It added that at the Port Harcourt sub-region, some cases of vandalism included Owerri Ahoada 132kv DC Line (T199 – T211), IPP/Elelenwo 132kv DC Line (T40, T43, T52 and T53), Owerri/Ahoada 132kv Line (T203 – T217), Ahoada/Yenagoa 132kv Line (T19 – T31) and IPP/Elelenwo 132kv Line (T40).
“Uyo Work Centre has only one case of vandalism at Itu T/S where an underground cable connected to the generator was vandalised.
“The Benin region was not left out of the nefarious acts as vandals attacked towers 30 to 33 along the Ihovbor-Osogbo-Benin-Osogbo double circuit transmission line, cutting the legs of the four towers, but they did not collapse and therefore did not interrupt bulk power transmission on that line.”
According to the TCN, on June 8, 2023, the linesmen of the Benin region while patrolling the Benin/Ihovbor/ Osogbo 330kV double circuit line tower, discovered that Towers 30 to 34 were vandalised.
It stated, “The tower legs were sawed off and left to collapse, which could have been catastrophic, as it could have led to the loss of power supply and revenue and the probability of people getting electrocuted.”
Gombe case
On February 23, 2024, TCN said power supply had dropped in Gombe State as a result of vandalism and destruction of two of its transmission towers, T377 and T378 along the Gombe – Damaturu 330kV transmission line.
A statement signed by the Commission’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, said the vandals had at approximately 9.35 PM, attacked the facility; the Gombe – Damaturu 330kV transmission line, resulting in a trip off of the line.
Following initial checks, TCN said engineers from the Bauchi regional office attempted the restoration of the line but it ‘tripped again’, prompting the dispatch of its linesmen and security operatives to trace the fault.
The team said it then discovered the two collapsed towers, T377 and T378.
In the interim, TCN said it had arranged to temporarily supply electricity to Damaturu from the Potiskum Transmission Substation
“Meanwhile, arrangements are underway to mobilise contractors that will re-erect the vandalised transmission towers and restring the 330kV line affected by the incident,” she said.
According to Mbah, TCN condemned the act of sabotage and is again calling on relevant authorities to intensify efforts in the protection of power infrastructures.
“We are committed to working diligently to expedite the restoration process and minimise the impact of this unfortunate incident on the power supply to the affected areas,” the statement said.
The incident comes following recent low power supply across the country as a result of either partial or total collapse of the national grid.
Lagos cable vandals
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested one Chris Abu and Paul Philip for allegedly vandalising electricity cables belonging to the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company Plc.
PUNCH Online gathered that the incident occurred on February 18, 2024, at about 2.30 pm.
A police source told our correspondent that a distress call was received from the Lagos State Electricity Board in Ikeja about the activities of vandals who specialise in vandalising electricity and armoured cables.
The source added that police officers went to the scene immediately and two males were arrested.
“A distress call was received from the Lagos State Electricity Board in Ikeja, Awolowo, about the activities of vandals who specialise in vandalising electricity and armoured cables.
“Policemen went to the scene, and Chris Abu, aged 25, and Paul Philip, aged 25, were arrested, and some tools used by the vandals were recovered,” the source added.
In another instance, residents of the Ikosi community in the Isheri Local Council Development Area of Kosofe Local Government Area, Lagos State were thrown into darkness after vandals stole cables supplying power to the community.
The transformer stationed in front of the LCDA secretariat was said to have been burgled by 2.55 am on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.
Sunday PUNCH gathered that the thieves, who stormed the area, broke into the transformer house, turned off the power line and stole the cables in the dead of the night.
This has put the lives of residents and businesses in distress.
Although power has been restored to the area, residents said they had to pay for the replacement out-of-pocket.
In May 2023, nine power transmission towers collapsed after being attacked by vandals in the Obafemi Owode area of Ogun State, the Transmission Company of Nigeria stated.
“TCN hereby states that nine towers, from tower 56 to tower 65 along the Papalanto/Abeokuta 132KV transmission line have collapsed due to the activities of vandals.
“The towers located in the Obafemi Owode area of Ogun State were all massively vandalised, leading to their collapse,” the power firm stated.
It said the General Manager, Lagos Region, Mojeed Akintola, the collapse of the towers was discovered on Tuesday after a tripping was recorded, adding that a team was dispatched to trace the fault, which led to the discovery.
The impact
Vandalism of public infrastructure in Nigeria has become an alarming issue. Critical structures like bridge railings are often stolen for their metal, power cables are cut for their copper, and street lights are dismantled, leading to increased crime rates and accidents.
The Nigerian Society of Engineers estimated that Nigeria loses approximately N76 billion ($200 million) annually due to infrastructure vandalism.
This figure encompasses the costs of repairs, replacements, and the broader economic impact of service disruptions.
Nigeria’s public infrastructure is a cornerstone of its socio-economic development, serving as the backbone for transportation, communication, and energy supply.
However, the rampant vandalism of bridge railings, power cables, transmission houses, street lights, and other vital infrastructure presents a significant challenge.
Financial burden on economy
The financial implications of infrastructure vandalism are staggering.
The Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, one of the longest bridges in Africa, costs about $150 million to construct and requires significant maintenance funds. Similarly, the Niger Bridge, a critical link between Nigeria’s eastern and western regions, has seen continuous investment over the years.
The destruction of such infrastructure necessitates expensive repairs and replacements, draining resources that could be allocated to other developmental projects.
For example, the frequent theft of power cables has led to widespread blackouts, affecting industries and small businesses.
The National Bureau of Statistics reported that Nigeria’s GDP growth is often hindered by power supply issues, exacerbated by vandalism.
Industries reliant on continuous power supply face increased operational costs due to the need for alternative power sources, such as generators, which are both costly and environmentally unfriendly.
A civil engineer and safety expert, Mr Miracle Morgan, said the socio-economic impact of infrastructure vandalism extends beyond financial losses.
“The destruction of street lights and other public amenities compromises public safety. Well-lit streets deter criminal activities, and their absence has led to a surge in crime rates, affecting community safety and quality of life.
“Furthermore, damaged transportation infrastructure like the Third Mainland Bridge and the Niger Bridge causes traffic congestion, longer travel times, and increased vehicle operating costs. “
He added that the disruption of power supply due to vandalised power cables also has far-reaching consequences.
According to a report by the African Development Bank, inadequate power supply is a major constraint on Nigeria’s economic growth.
Businesses face reduced productivity, and households endure poor living conditions, further exacerbating poverty and inequality.
Tinubu blows hot
President Bola Tinubu during the Sallah celebrations condemned the recent acts of rail track and electricity cable vandalism, labelling them as economic sabotage with severe impacts on the national value system.
During a meeting in Lagos on Monday evening with a delegation from the National Assembly, Tinubu emphasised the necessity for a change in the national value system to ensure progress.
In a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu remarked, “Good economics at a harsh time is the challenge that we must face.
“As I said in my speech, no matter how difficult it is and how challenging it can be, I will not turn my back on Nigeria.”
The President called for a shift in mindset among citizens, urging them to reject rent-seeking behaviours and contribute more productively to the economy.
He highlighted the detrimental effects of smuggling and economic sabotage, such as the removal of rail tracks and the theft of electric cables.
“Why should we have people removing rail tracks and all that, stealing electric cables, and sabotaging the economy?
“We must embrace the campaign to change our value system.
“We must tell our people that the challenge we face is for all of us to change our mindset about our country,” Tinubu stated.
What is obtained abroad?
In comparison to other African countries, Nigeria’s infrastructure vandalism issue is particularly severe.
South Africa, for instance, also faces significant challenges with infrastructure vandalism, particularly with railways and power lines.
However, countries like Kenya have implemented more robust measures to protect their infrastructure, resulting in fewer incidents. Kenya’s success can be attributed to its proactive approach, including community engagement and stringent legal frameworks.
Advanced economies like the UK and Germany have effectively mitigated infrastructure vandalism through stringent laws, advanced surveillance technologies, and efficient judicial systems.
In the UK, for example, infrastructure is protected by a combination of legal measures, community involvement, and technological solutions like CCTV and smart sensors. These countries also ensure swift prosecution of offenders, serving as a strong deterrent to potential vandals.
A senior economist at a consulting firm in Asaba, Delta State, Dr Sola Oguneyemi, said the economic impact of infrastructure vandalism extended beyond immediate repair costs.
He said it affected Nigeria’s overall economic productivity.
For example, traffic congestion caused by damaged roads and bridges leads to lost man-hours.
According to a report by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, traffic congestion in Lagos alone costs the economy about N3.5 trillion ($9.2 billion) annually.
This includes losses from reduced productivity, increased fuel consumption, and wear and tear on vehicles.
In the energy sector, vandalism of power infrastructure has led to frequent blackouts and load shedding.
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria reported that power outages cost the Nigerian economy about N126 billion ($330 million) annually.
This figure includes losses from reduced industrial output, damage to machinery, and the high cost of alternative power sources.
Ogunyemi said, “Public safety is compromised when street lights are vandalized, leading to increased crime rates. The absence of proper lighting in urban areas has been linked to higher incidents of robberies and assaults. Additionally, vandalized infrastructure creates an environment of neglect and decay, affecting community morale and social cohesion.
“The destruction of infrastructure can lead to increased pollution. For instance, damaged power lines can result in oil spills from transformers, contaminating the environment. Moreover, the use of generators as an alternative power source contributes to air pollution, exacerbating respiratory problems among the population.”
Legal perspective
In Nigeria, vandalism of public infrastructure is addressed under several legal frameworks, including the Criminal Code Act, the Penal Code, and the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
Section 451 of the Criminal Code Act addresses malicious property damage. It states that any person who willfully and unlawfully destroys or damages any property is guilty of an offence and liable to imprisonment for two years.
Section 443 specifically criminalises the willful and unlawful destruction or damage of property, including public infrastructure, which is punishable by up to seven years imprisonment.
In the Penal Code, Section 326, deals with the offence of mischief. It states that anyone who destroys property with intent to cause wrongful loss to another person is liable to imprisonment of up to two years, or with a fine, or with both.
A legal practitioner based in Rivers State, Mrs Selena Onuoha, said Section One of the Miscellaneous Offences Act specifically targets the willful damage to public property, including public utilities and infrastructure.
According to her, it prescribes severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to 21 years without the option of a fine.
Speaking on the matter, she said, “From a legal perspective, the enforcement of these laws is crucial to maintaining public order and ensuring the longevity and functionality of public infrastructure. Vandalism not only incurs significant economic costs but also endangers public safety and disrupts essential services. Legal experts argue that stringent enforcement of existing laws, along with public awareness campaigns, is necessary to deter such destructive behaviour.
“The major challenge in enforcing these laws is often the lack of adequate surveillance and quick response mechanisms. While the legal provisions are stringent, their effectiveness largely depends on the efficiency of law enforcement agencies and the judicial system. Corruption, lack of resources, and sometimes public apathy towards reporting such incidents can hinder the proper application of these laws.”
In comparison to other African countries, Onuoha said Nigeria’s legal provisions against vandalism are relatively stringent.
“For instance, in South Africa, vandalism of public property is also a criminal offence with penalties that can include imprisonment and hefty fines.
“Advanced economies typically have robust surveillance and quick response systems that help in the prompt detection and prosecution of vandalism, which can serve as a model for Nigeria to enhance its enforcement strategies,” she added.
She urged increased law enforcement and judicial efficiency to curb the menace.
Securing Nigeria’s public infrastructure
To combat the rampant vandalism of public infrastructure, experts have said Nigeria must adopt a multifaceted strategy.
Morgan, speaking on the matter, said, “Enforcing stringent laws against vandalism is crucial. Penalties should be severe enough to deter potential offenders. Swift and effective prosecution will send a strong message that such acts will not be tolerated.
“Implementing advanced surveillance technologies, such as CCTV cameras, drones, and smart sensors, can help monitor and protect infrastructure. These technologies can detect and alert authorities to potential threats in real-time, allowing for quick intervention.”
He also urged private sector collaboration, particularly of telecommunications and energy firms, to enhance efforts to secure public infrastructure.
A social commentator and Senior Lecturer, Department of Political Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Dr Ikechukwu Ugwueze, said the vandalism of public infrastructure in Nigeria was a pressing issue that demands immediate and comprehensive action.
He said, “The financial, economic, and social costs are too high to ignore. By adopting a multi-faceted approach that includes legal reforms, community engagement, technological advancements, and private-sector collaboration, Nigeria can better protect its valuable infrastructure. Ensuring the safety and integrity of these assets is essential for the nation’s development and the well-being of its citizens.
“Nigeria must learn from the experiences of other countries, both within Africa and globally, to develop effective strategies for safeguarding its infrastructure. Only through collective effort and sustained commitment can the nation overcome the challenges posed by infrastructure vandalism and achieve sustainable development.”
(Punch)
