Traditional rulers in Lagos State and other stakeholders have pledged their support to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI).

They expressed their commitment during the Lagos command of the NSCDC’s engagement with stakeholders on asset and infrastructure protection in Obalende, Lagos Island, Mainland, Somolu and Bariga.

The Baale of Orile Somolu, Muftau Akinpelu, who spoke on behalf of the traditional rulers at the event, described the initiative as a step in the right direction.

He pledged that the traditional institutions would support the Divisions of the Command within their domain to secure operational logistics from the government and other cooperating stakeholders.

The representative of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs Oke Bukola, assured the public of more sensitisation programmes on the protection of CNAI and others.

The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) extolled the NSCDC for its efforts to keep the public informed about its mandates and activities that could benefit them against vandalism of assets and infrastructure in the state.

The representative of the Scrap Dealer Employers’ Association, Mr Ibrahim Musa, called on all stakeholders to join NSCDC in fighting the menace of vandalism.

He, however, pledged continuous collaboration with the Corps and the relevant agencies to punish erring members and eject them from their system.

The Area Commander, Area I Command, Assistant Commandant of Corps, Samuel Idoko, in charge of Obalende, Lagos Island, Mainland, Bariga and Somolu Divisions, was present with the divisional officers and their officers and men at the stakeholders’ meeting.

They took time to respond to the pressing questions raised by participants.

Earlier, the State Commandant, NSCDC, Lagos State Command, Mr Adedotun Keshinro, affirmed that the community engagement, which commenced on January 20, and ended on March 31, was critical to securing CNAI.

Keshinro, who was represented by the Head of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Department, Deputy Commandant of Corps Kolawole Agbetiloye, noted that community engagement with stakeholders was aimed at bringing campaigns against vandalism, illegal dredging, illegal mining, illegal scrap dealings, among others, closer to the people at the grassroots.

He, therefore, charged the Scrap Dealers Association members, led by Ibrahim Musa, to regulate the activities of its members and ensure compliance to ensure effective protection of the assets and infrastructure.

Keshinro advised that the association should ensure that erring members are dealt with seriously and deregistered to avoid tarnishing their image.