The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), says the protection of Government critical infrastructures is a collective responsibility and should not be left in the hands of security agencies alone.
The State Commandant, NSCDC, Akwa Ibom Command, Mr Abidemi Majekodunmi, said this during a stakeholders’ summit on the protection of critical infrastructure in Uyo on Thursday.
NAN reports that the theme of the stakeholders’ summit is; “Securing Critical Infrastructure: Everybody’s Business”.
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Majekodunmi charged stakeholders, community leaders and all residents to ensure adequate protection of government critical infrastructures in their communities, adding that there will be no development without these critical infrastructures.
He added that critical infrastructures in the state and country serve as bedrock to sustain economic development.
“Actually, the NSCDC decided to hold this summit, so that we can engage and interact with stakeholders in the protection of critical assets and infrastructures.
“We hold the view that these critical and National infrastructures are very important in promoting and sustaining development.
“We understand that the people, community, and stakeholders have a role to play in securing the safety of these property and of course. Economic infrastructure can also be promoted where you have basic infrastructure in place,” Majekodunmi said.
The commandant urged Nigerians to take ownership of these critical infrastructures and protect the facilities against vandalism.
He called on the people to provide the security agencies with credible information to help them serve the people better.
“The major challenge has to do with our disposition and attitude as a people. A lot of people are of the view that the government must do everything.
“Definitely, government cannot do it alone. They must provide quality and credible actionable intelligence for us to act,” he said.
Speaking on the theme, Dr Christopher Inwang, a legal practitioner, advocated the establishment of critical infrastructure protection trust fund to cater for the welfare of community security groups who protect these critical infrastructures.
Inwang added that the community security groups should be trained to enable them play their roles in the security of critical infrastructures.
He urged Governments, NSCDC and other relevant agencies to sensitise communities on the need to protect these critical facilities as their own.
NAN reports that goodwill messages were received from sister security agencies operating in the state.
