Lagos Assembly seeks stronger neighbourhood safety corps

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday urged Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to strengthen and adequately empower the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC).

The House also called for increased funding, improved equipment and regular training for corps personnel to enhance security operations across the state.

The resolution followed motion a moved by Mr Moshood Aro, representing Ikorodu Constituency II, on the persistent vandalisation of public infrastructure in Lagos.

Aro expressed concern over the activities of vandals, particularly in Festac Town, and called for the speedy prosecution of arrested suspects.

He said the destruction of roads, bridges and other public assets funded with taxpayers’ money had become alarming and demanded urgent intervention.

“Public infrastructure vandalism is becoming worrisome in Lagos. We are seeing the destruction of roads, bridges and public facilities provided with taxpayers’ money.

“There is a need to curb this menace, especially those who patronise the vandals,” he said.

Aro noted that the activities of vandals had attracted international attention, with friends abroad questioning whether incidents shown in circulating videos actually occurred in Lagos.

He stressed that government spent huge resources constructing and maintaining infrastructure, warning that continued vandalism amounted to a waste of public funds.

Contributing to the debate, Mr Stephen Ogundipe, representing Oshodi/Isolo I, condemned the actions of vandals and called for decisive government action.

Ogundipe said those involved operated without regard for the consequences of their actions on residents and public development.

Other lawmakers supported the motion and advocated stronger enforcement of laws against vandalism throughout the state.

They also called for the prosecution of individuals involved in the purchase and sale of stolen government property.

Speaker of the House, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, said insecurity, vandalism, sanitation and law enforcement required a coordinated and comprehensive response.

Obasa urged greater support for the LNSC through adequate funding, modern equipment and continuous training to improve its effectiveness.

“The corps should receive attention similar to that given to the police,” Obasa said while emphasising the importance of strengthening community-based security.

He also urged lawmakers to ensure effective implementation of laws passed by the Assembly through active oversight and enforcement monitoring.

Obasa said relevant committees should ensure necessary provisions were captured in the state budget to support implementation and improve public safety.