The Federal Government on Monday inaugurated a Coordinating Council for Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Protection in Nigeria.
The National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, inaugurated the council in Abuja.
Reports claims that the council consists of heads of security agencies and other relevant stakeholders.
Ribadu said, “In furtherance of our resolve to ensure the safety, security, resilience, and sustainability of our country, this occasion marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to safeguard the vital components of our society that ensure our prosperity.
“Critical national assets and infrastructure, which underpin our transportation system, energy grids, communication networks, and essential services are the backbone of our society.
“However, in an ever-evolving landscape, fraught with challenges, these assets are also facing growing threats from various sources: terrorists, bandits, saboteurs, malcontents, cyber-attacks, and other malicious activities.”
According to him, the council is not just a response to security threats but a proactive step towards fostering collaboration, innovation, and strategic planning.
“Together we must lay the foundation for a resilient framework that would safeguard our nation’s infrastructure.
“Recognizing its importance as the backbone of our national security, economic stability, and public confidence and if we don’t do it, no one else can do it for us,” he said.
The NSA called on all members to be passionate, dedicated and exhibit a sense of duty.
Also speaking, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said: “The end has come for vandals and threats of CNAI across the country.”
Tunji-Ojo, who is the Co-Chairman of the council, appreciated President Bola Tinubu for approving the establishment of the council as well as the NSA for successfully assembling all stakeholders.
“I want to assure you of the support of the ministry and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps whose core responsibility is to ensure the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure.
“We will do all that we can and leave nothing behind in terms of protecting all CNAI of this county.
“We are here to put in our best and our best we shall give,” the minister said.
Attacks on critical infrastructure, particularly electricity transmission towers, have increased significantly in recent times.
According to the General Manager of Material Control and Stores, Abdulkadir Adamu, who spoke at the Power Correspondents Association Conference, over 119 transmission towers have been destroyed this year alone.
Some notable incidents include the attack on the Lokoja–Gwagwalada transmission line 1, where towers T306, T307, and T308 were damaged on November 15.
There was also an attack on the 330kV Shiroro–Kaduna transmission lines 1 and 2 on October 18, as well as an attack on the Gwagwalada–Katampe line on February 26, 2024, among several others.
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