The Federal Government has inaugurated a new council to protect critical national infrastructure in Nigeria.
The council, named the Coordinating Council for Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Protection, was officially launched on Monday in Abuja by the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu.
The council includes heads of security agencies and other key stakeholders, with Ribadu serving as its chairman.
Speaking at the event, Ribadu highlighted the importance of safeguarding the nation’s infrastructure, which he described as the “backbone of our society.”
“These critical assets, such as transportation systems, energy grids, and communication networks, are essential to our nation’s prosperity,” Ribadu said. “However, they face increasing threats from terrorists, bandits, saboteurs, cyber-attacks, and other malicious activities.”
He added that the council is a proactive measure to strengthen security and foster collaboration among stakeholders. “Together, we must build a resilient framework to protect our infrastructure. If we don’t do it, no one else can do it for us,” he emphasized.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who is the council’s co-chairman, pledged to tackle vandalism and other threats to the country’s assets.
“The end has come for vandals and those threatening our infrastructure,” Tunji-Ojo stated. He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for approving the council and assured Nigerians that the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps would give their full support to the initiative.
“We will put in our best and leave no stone unturned in protecting Nigeria’s critical assets and infrastructure,” the minister promised.
The need for stronger protection of national infrastructure has become urgent due to rising attacks on electricity transmission towers and other vital installations.
According to Abdulkadir Adamu, General Manager of Material Control and Stores at the Transmission Company of Nigeria, over 119 transmission towers have been destroyed this year alone.
Recent incidents include the attack on the Lokoja–Gwagwalada transmission line, which saw three towers damaged on November 15, and similar attacks on Shiroro–Kaduna transmission lines in October.
The new council is expected to enhance coordination and ensure a robust response to such threats, fostering stability and security across the nation.
