Lagos State House of Assembly has called for stronger community-based security measures and tougher prosecution of individuals involved in the vandalism of public infrastructure across the state.
The lawmakers made the call during Monday’s plenary, urging the state government to strengthen and adequately equip the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps and other community security structures to improve surveillance and prevent the destruction of roads, bridges and other public facilities.
The Assembly also stressed that the prosecution of infrastructure vandals should extend beyond those who physically remove public property to individuals and businesses that purchase, sell or profit from stolen government assets.
The lawmakers’ position followed a motion moved by the member representing Ikorodu II, Moshood Aro, who raised concerns over the increasing vandalism of public infrastructure, particularly in FESTAC.
Aro said the destruction of infrastructure funded with taxpayers’ money effectively imposed additional financial pressure on residents because government would have to spend more money repairing or replacing damaged facilities.
“It baffles me that some residents of Lagos ought to be experiencing this kind of situation, knowing that we are paying for these facilities with our money,” he said.
He argued that the government should not be forced to repeatedly commit public funds to infrastructure because facilities already provided for residents were being vandalised.
“Public funds are being used to provide these facilities, and when they are damaged or vandalised, public funds are again required to repair them. This places an additional burden on taxpayers,” Aro added.
The lawmaker called for increased
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