By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Growing concerns over the alleged destruction and theft of public and private infrastructure by scrap-metal scavengers have triggered renewed calls for stronger government regulation and enforcement in Lagos State and across Nigeria.
Concerned citizens and stakeholders say the continued vandalism of infrastructure is disrupting essential services and imposing significant repair costs on communities and government institutions.
The affected assets reportedly include electrical cables, transformers, railway components, telecommunications equipment, water pipes and sections of road infrastructure.
Public commentator Olasunkanmi Onasanya said tackling the problem requires addressing not only those who vandalise infrastructure but also the network of buyers and dealers that creates a market for stolen materials.
“It is high time the government, whether at the Federal or State level, enacted and strictly enforced legislation specifically targeting scrap-metal scavengers and those who knowingly receive, buy, or trade in vandalised government property,” Onasanya said at a recent public forum.
According to him, the existence of a ready market for stolen metals remains a major incentive for the continued vandalism of public assets.
“The law should not only punish those who vandalise public infrastructure but also hold receivers and buyers accountable,” he said. “Without a market for stolen government property, the incentive to vandalise public assets would be significantly reduced.”
Stakeholders advocating stronger measures have proposed several interventions, including mandatory registration and licensing of scrap-metal dealers, regular monitoring of scrap-metal markets and tougher penalties for individuals involved in vandalising or trading in stolen public property.
They also called for the forfeiture of illegally acquired metals and other assets linked to vandalism, as well as stronger coordination among law-enforcement agencies to protect critical infrastructure.
Some stakeholders further argued that the protection of essential public utilities should be treated as a matter of public safety and national economic interest, given the consequences of prolonged service disruptions.
With infrastructure vandalism continuing to pose challenges to communities and service providers, residents and civic groups are urging Lagos State authorities and federal lawmakers to strengthen the regulatory framework governing the scrap-metal trade and improve enforcement against the theft of public assets.