Speaking at the inauguration, Ribadu highlighted the strategic importance of safeguarding Nigeria’s infrastructure, which supports essential systems such as transportation, energy, and communications.
Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government on Monday inaugurated the Coordinating Council for the Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (FCCCNAIP) in Abuja.
The council, chaired by National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, includes heads of security agencies and key stakeholders across various sectors.
Speaking at the inauguration, Ribadu highlighted the strategic importance of safeguarding Nigeria’s infrastructure, which supports essential systems such as transportation, energy, and communications. “In furtherance of our resolve to ensure the safety, security, resilience, and sustainability of our country, this occasion marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to safeguard the vital components of our society that ensure our prosperity,” Ribadu stated.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s critical infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable to a wide range of threats, including terrorism, banditry, sabotage, cyber-attacks, and other forms of malicious activity. Ribadu described the formation of the council as a proactive measure aimed at fostering collaboration, innovation, and strategic planning to protect these vital assets. “Recognising its importance as the backbone of our national security, economic stability, and public confidence, we must lay the foundation for a resilient framework to safeguard our nation’s infrastructure,” he added.
The council’s Co-Chairman, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, expressed a commitment to combating acts of vandalism and other threats to critical infrastructure. He commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing the council and praised the NSA for bringing together all relevant stakeholders. “The end has come for vandals and threats to our Critical National Assets and Infrastructure across the country,” Tunji-Ojo declared.
He assured full support from the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), emphasizing that protecting Nigeria’s infrastructure is a top priority. “We will do all that we can and leave nothing behind in terms of protecting all CNAI of this country,” Tunji-Ojo pledged.
The need for enhanced infrastructure protection is underscored by recent attacks on electricity transmission lines. According to Abdulkadir Adamu, General Manager of Material Control and Stores at the Transmission Company of Nigeria, over 119 transmission towers have been destroyed this year alone.
Significant incidents include the November 15 attack on towers T306, T307, and T308 along the Lokoja–Gwagwalada transmission line, as well as attacks on the 330kV Shiroro–Kaduna transmission lines on October 18 and the Gwagwalada–Katampe line on February 26, 2024.
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