Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, on monday stated that any destruction of public infrastructure and facilities is an act of terrorism.
The minister decried the incessant attacks on critical public facilities such as police stations and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices, and other infrastructures such as railways, bridges among others.
The minister said such acts endangers the lives of innocent citizens takes a toll on the government’s limited revenue, as it seeks to replace, rehabilitate or totally reconstruct such destroyed infrastructure.
He said these at a town hall meeting organised by the ministry of Information and culture on ‘Protecting Public Infrastructure ‘ in Abuja.
“Today’s town hall meeting is both urgent and important, because it touches on an issue that is at the very core of economic growth and national development, which is public infrastructure. When public infrastructure is being targeted for destruction by some unpatriotic Nigerians, it calls for great concern and immediate action, hence our decision to organize this town hall meeting.
“Railway tracks are being subjected to wanton destruction, bridge railings are being removed, manhole covers are being pilfered, street lights and other power infrastructure, oil pipelines, telecoms facilities and critical aviation infrastructure are being damaged or stolen.
“On another level is the incessant attacks on critical public facilities such as police stations and INEC offices.
“Removal of rail tracks can cause train derailment, with deadly consequences. Tampering with aviation infrastructure endangers the lives of air passengers. Attacks on police stations have left many police personnel dead. These are all acts of terror.”
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Mohammed Bello, said the most significant forms of vandalization in Abuja are covers for manhole.
“Just by way of statistics, a few weeks ago, we did some checks and we realised we needed to replace immediately 400 manhole covers, 582 storm-water covers 23,210 gully pot covers, 467 water board inspecting chambers covers, 47 water hydrant covers, 756 telecommunications covers.
“And these are critical public assets that you and I own, but are being vandalized, this is just one aspect. Any of the streets where you notice blackout sometimes you may think it is public outrage, but it is not. Blackouts occur because somebody decided out the tubes,” he said.
The minister said laws that criminalise the act is needed and should be enforced strictly to curb the menace.
