The rising rate of infrastructure vandalism in Abuja has created significant economic losses, costing the city approximately N4.7 billion annually.
Speaking at the Nigerian Society of Engineers’ (NSE) 5th Annual Public Lecture, Professor Abdulhameed Mambo emphasized the urgent need for intervention.
Mambo, Head of Civil Engineering at Nile University, highlighted how stolen and damaged infrastructure burdens government resources and endangers public safety.
According to him, the destruction of power lines, roads, and public utilities has severely impacted economic development and urban infrastructure sustainability.
Increasing Theft of Public Property in Abuja
Over 1,200 cases of manhole theft have been reported in recent years, causing hazards for pedestrians, motorists, and public safety.
Beyond manholes, criminals target streetlights, power lines, and communication networks, further compounding economic and security challenges for government agencies.
Security agencies recently recovered 125 stolen manhole covers, demonstrating increased efforts to combat this growing criminal activity in Abuja.
Despite these recoveries, Mambo insisted that stricter measures, policies, and technological interventions are necessary to prevent recurring infrastructure theft.
Proposed Solutions to Curb Infrastructure Vandalism
Mambo proposed implementing artificial intelligence-powered security cameras and tamper-proof sensors on public infrastructure to deter criminal activities effectively.
He emphasized blockchain tracking for stolen materials, similar to successful models used in cities like Singapore and Rotterdam.
Additionally, he recommended stronger community involvement, public awareness campaigns, and educational initiatives to foster responsible citizenship and civic engagement.
By improving community engagement, citizens can actively report vandalism, enhancing security efforts and preventing further public infrastructure destruction.
Urgent Need for Stakeholder Collaboration
The lecture gathered experts and stakeholders, stressing the need for government, security agencies, and communities to collaborate against vandalism.
NSE Bwari Branch Chairperson, Funbi Alonge, underscored how infrastructure vandalism affects essential services, economic stability, and public safety nationwide.
She urged attendees to explore practical solutions, strengthening partnerships among engineers, law enforcement, and policymakers for sustainable urban development.
Addressing infrastructure vandalism requires a holistic approach, combining technology, security strategies, and public participation to safeguard Abuja’s critical infrastructure.
