The Ogun State Government has concluded plans to forward a bill to the State House of Assembly seeking stiffer penalties for vandals of public infrastructure across the state.
Governor Dapo Abiodun disclosed this while hosting the Chairman of SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), Mr. Deolu Ijose, at Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.

Abiodun expressed concern over the increasing destruction of electricity infrastructure, describing the trend as a major threat to economic growth and effective service delivery in the state.
According to the governor, the activities of vandals have continued to frustrate government efforts aimed at improving electricity supply and expanding infrastructure.
He lamented that several public assets, including streetlights installed along the Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway from the Interchange, had been vandalised.

The governor described the destruction of electricity facilities as economic sabotage and energy theft, warning that offenders would face severe legal consequences once the proposed law takes effect.
“Yes, we know that vandalisation is an issue. When we constructed the Sagamu-Abeokuta Road, we installed streetlights along the entire 42-kilometre stretch. Within one and a half years, every one of those streetlights had been stolen,” he said.
“They first started by stealing the cables — cutting them, tying them to vehicles and pulling them out — before moving on to the fittings.

“One day, while returning from Lagos, I noticed that after driving for about a kilometre, there was no single light pole again. From cables to fittings and eventually the poles themselves, the destruction continued.
“Vandalisation is a serious issue, and I believe we must now put stronger legislation in place. I have spoken with the Attorney General on the need for stricter laws and stiffer penalties that will serve as a deterrent because this is economic sabotage,” the governor added.
Abiodun said the proposed legislation, being coordinated through the Office of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, would strengthen the legal framework for prosecuting offenders and protecting critical infrastructure across the state.

The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving electricity supply through strategic partnerships aimed at addressing persistent power challenges.
He explained that the visit by the IBEDC management was focused on deepening collaboration with the state government to strengthen electricity infrastructure, expand access to power, and improve supply to homes, businesses, and industries.
Abiodun stressed that stable electricity remains a top priority of his administration, adding that the government would continue to work with stakeholders and private sector players to support initiatives capable of improving power generation and distribution.

He said the state government was ready to partner with IBEDC and other stakeholders to deliver sustainable solutions that would improve the ease of doing business and the quality of life of residents.
The governor expressed optimism that the renewed collaboration would help reduce power outages and stimulate economic growth across Ogun State.
Earlier, Chairman of SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, said the visit was to formally inform the governor about the takeover of IBEDC by a new management team and to explore ways of tackling challenges facing the electricity company.

He noted that meaningful development could not take place without stable electricity and commended Governor Abiodun for his achievements in infrastructure and energy development.
Afolabi added that his organisation was willing to partner with the Ogun State Government to strengthen electricity supply and infrastructure.
Also speaking, IBEDC Managing Director, Mr. Deolu Ijose, said the company was seeking stronger collaboration with the Ogun State Government to address electricity challenges affecting communities and industrial clusters.

He stated that improved synergy between the state government and IBEDC would accelerate interventions aimed at reducing outages and improving service delivery.
Ijose acknowledged Ogun State’s position as one of Nigeria’s leading industrial hubs, stressing that reliable electricity remains essential for investment, productivity, and economic growth.
He added that IBEDC was committed to working closely with the state government to identify critical areas requiring urgent intervention, including infrastructure upgrades, network expansion, and improved customer service, with the goal of addressing recurring power instability across the state.