Government Takes Action Against Vandalism on Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
The Federal Government is intensifying its efforts to combat vandalism along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. This initiative includes the profiling of all 40 newly appointed Coastal Road Guardsmen, thorough documentation of their guarantors, and the installation of tracking devices on their motorcycles to ensure official usage only.
This initiative arises in response to persistent attacks on newly established infrastructure along the highway, raising concerns among officials regarding the ongoing destruction of public property shortly after installation.
During the inauguration of the Coastal Road Guard in Lagos, Olufemi Dare, the Lagos State Federal Controller of Works, articulated that the primary goal of this effort is to safeguard the multi-billion naira Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road from vandalism and various criminal activities.
Dare noted that the rampant destruction of road infrastructure presents significant challenges to the project’s integrity and long-term sustainability. He highlighted that critical assets, such as manhole covers and road signs, have been repeatedly stolen or damaged by vandals soon after installation. Each replacement incurs additional costs, causing further disruptions for road users.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Dare explained that the Ministry of Labor established a dedicated security force to ensure 24-hour surveillance and protection of public infrastructure. He emphasized the commitment to investing significant public resources in infrastructure, insisting that such investments should not be undermined by criminal behavior.
To enhance accountability, the profiling of security personnel includes detailed documentation of their guarantors. Moreover, the tracking devices installed on their motorcycles enable authorities to monitor their movements, ensuring they are utilized strictly for official purposes.
Dare reported that the Coastal Road Guards have undergone rigorous training administered by the Nigeria Police Force, equipping them with essential gear such as motorcycles, helmets, walkie-talkies, and flashlights for effective highway patrols. He encouraged them to execute their duties with integrity and professionalism, asserting that they would be held accountable for any misconduct.
In addition to addressing vandalism, the guards will strengthen traffic control measures on the expressway. This includes prohibiting motorcycles and tricycles, minimizing the indiscriminate parking of trailers and large trucks, and discouraging illegal U-turns. They will also tackle issues such as illegal grazing, street trafficking, unauthorized occupation of highway corridors, and littering, all of which jeopardize the safety and durability of road infrastructure.
Dare commended the dedication of supervisors, administrative staff, and security personnel throughout the training, urging them to validate the government’s confidence in their capabilities.
Earlier, Deputy Team Leader of the Coast Road Guard, Kelvin Okereke, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Labor for launching this initiative, framing it as both a security intervention and an employment opportunity for many Nigerians. He underscored the economic prospects generated by the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and emphasized the importance of safeguarding essential national assets against vandalism.
Okereke appealed to Nigerians to view public infrastructure as a collective asset deserving of protection for the benefit of future generations. He insisted that robust public support is critical for effective safeguarding of these investments, alongside governmental efforts.
Chief Security Officer of the Coast Road Guard, Paul Mbamu, affirmed that the initiative has not only provided meaningful employment but also vital security training, empowering guards to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. In his address, Coast Road Guard Director-General Augustin Usumelo assured that the team will collaborate closely with the Federal Government to meet the objectives of this program, maintaining accurate records of personnel and assets to ensure transparency and accountability. He expressed confidence that the Coastal Road Guard would play an instrumental role in preventing vandalism and preserving the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road for sustainable public use.
