By Richard Akintade, Osogbo
The NSCDC Commandant in Osun state, Adaralewa Michael Akintayo has called for the collaborative effort of the people and security agents in protecting public infrastructures.
The Osun NSCDC Commandant made this call while speaking on a topic “Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure As a Panacea for Underdevelopment”, at the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Protection Summit, organized by Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Osun State Command on Tuesday in Osogbo.
According to Commandant Adaralewa, “It is important to stress that the basic difference between developed and developing countries lies in the sophistication and prioritization of critical national assets and infrastructure which are now automated linking man to machines, and sectors to sectors.”
“Finally as I take my bow in loyalty, we must be constantly reminded that patriotism is a duty and not a choice.
“For this reason, the clarion call here is for all and sundry to collectively deal with the criminality predisposing national assets to various forms of threats/vulnerabilities”, he added
Similarly, the Vice Chancellor, Fountain University, Osogbo, Professor Olayinka Ramota Karim who was represented by Prof. Goke Lalude at the well attended programme, said community leaders, citizens, law enforcement agencies among others have critical roles to play in the protection of public infrastructures.
Meanwhile, a University Don, Prof. Joseph Oyedele while speaking on the topic as well, disclosed that Nigeria requires between US$12 billion to $15 billion annually for the next six years to meet the infrastructure requirements.
Prof Oyedele, from the Department of Estate Management, Obafemi University, Ile-Ife, in the State said the country’s infrastructure challenges were huge.
According to the university don, the significance of critical infrastructure to economic development cannot be over emphasized, hence, all hands must be on deck in protecting the critical assets and infrastructure, both public and private sectors must collaborate in addressing all these concerns, and find workable solutions to ensure the security of sites of Critical National Infrastructure.
“Nigeria’s infrastructure challenge is huge. Recent reports suggest that the country requires between US$12 billion to $15 billion annually for the next six years to meet the infrastructure requirements.
“The establishment of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was therefore one of the measures to protect critical national assets and infrastructure (CNAI) and was supported by NSCDC Act 2003 and amended NSCDC Act of 2007”, he added.
