FG Slams Continued Vandalism of Lagos Bridges, Seeks Stronger Surveillance
The Federal Government has condemned the ongoing vandalism of bridge infrastructure in Lagos State, expressing deep concern over the repeated destruction of reinforced bridge components despite measures taken to secure them.
The Federal Ministry of Works said the latest vandalism incidents involve iron bridge rails embedded in concrete being forcefully removed by vandals, undermining federal efforts to enhance durability and safety of key transport links across the commercial capital.
Olufemi Dare, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, condemned the activities during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, highlighting that the ministry had previously embedded protective materials in concrete to deter theft but that hoodlums persistently break through the coverings to extract the iron rods.
Dare said the ministry plans to escalate concerns to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other security agencies, urging intensified surveillance and enforcement along bridges in Lagos to prevent further attacks on public assets.
He noted that the EFCC had already apprehended some suspects linked to bridge vandalism and presented stolen materials to the ministry as part of ongoing investigations.
The federal controller appealed to Nigerians to treat public infrastructure with the same care afforded to private property, stressing that bridges and similar facilities are built “for the benefit of the public.” He encouraged citizens to report anyone seen damaging such assets to relevant authorities.
Friday Oku, president of the Association of Scrap and Waste Pickers, Lagos State, also weighed in, condemning the vandalism outright. However, Oku urged the government to formalise the scrap collection sector by registering operators and issuing identification cards to distinguish legitimate workers from criminals.
The condemnation from Abuja comes amid a broader national conversation about protecting critical infrastructure from vandalism, an issue that has affected roads, bridges and utility services in multiple states across Nigeria.