The Lagos State House of Assembly has called for urgent and decisive measures to curb the rising incidence of vandalism of public infrastructure across the state.

The lawmakers made the call following a viral video showing suspected vandals removing iron rods, steel reinforcements and cables from the Festac Town–Alakija Link Bridge.

In a unanimous resolution, the lawmakers expressed concern that the activities of vandals posed a serious threat to public safety and could undermine the state government’s investment in critical infrastructure.

They stressed the need for swift action to prevent further damage to public facilities and ensure the safety of motorists and residents who depend on the infrastructure daily.

Ruling on the matter, the Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, cautioned that measures aimed at restricting activities such as those of barrow pushers must be implemented with care and consideration for legitimate operators in the state.

Obasa also noted that the prosecution and incarceration of offenders could be hampered by congestion in correctional facilities, stressing the need for a broader and more effective approach to enforcement, prosecution and punishment.

He said the situation could be addressed through the state government’s planned construction of correctional centres.

The Speaker further called for improved standards and increased capacity within the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), urging the corps to strengthen its role in identifying, preventing and reporting acts of vandalism.

He also advocated sustained legislative oversight and stronger implementation of existing laws designed to protect public infrastructure and deter criminal activities.

Earlier, Hon. Moshood Aro, who moved the motion on appropriate measures against the vandals, urged security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), to intensify surveillance around bridges, highways and other strategic public assets.

Aro called for intelligence-led operations to identify and prosecute those responsible for vandalism, as well as individuals involved in the purchase and sale of stolen structural materials.

He also urged residents to promptly report suspicious activities around public infrastructure to the appropriate authorities.

The Assembly reiterated its commitment to working with the executive arm of government to safeguard public infrastructure, strengthen enforcement mechanisms and ensure effective implementation of existing laws.

The lawmakers stressed that concerted efforts by government agencies, security formations and residents were essential to protecting public assets and ensuring that the gains of development were not undermined by vandalism and other criminal activities.

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