Headline: Vandalism and Insecurity in Nigeria Take a Heavy Toll on Economy, While Public Institutions Bear the Brunt
Lead: The economic cost of vandalism and insecurity in Nigeria has reached alarming levels, as the lack of accountability and inefficiency of the electricity distribution company (DisCo) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) continues to burden the FCT Administration (FCTA). The FCTA, responsible for providing, maintaining, and securing essential infrastructure like streetlights, finds itself unable to penalize the DisCo for its shortcomings. As a result, the cost of replacing stolen or vandalized items severely impacts the provision of essential services.
In a recent examination of the situation, it was revealed that critical infrastructure such as electricity installations, streetlights, drainage systems, and manhole covers are constantly being targeted by thieves and vandals. The responsibility to provide, secure, and maintain these public installations lies with the government, yet the burden of the cost falls on the public institution itself.
The impact of this vandalism goes beyond financial implications. The beauty and security of urban areas are hampered, particularly during nighttime when well-lit streets and monumental structures contribute to a sense of safety. The government can ensure the functionality of these installations, but power failures, which are the responsibility of the DisCo, result in public frustration and provide cover for criminal activities.
While some areas of the city boast exquisite housing estates with uninterrupted essential services like water, electricity, and internet, other areas continue to rely on inefficient public institutions. Residents of these estates, who can afford the additional costs, resort to alternatives such as generators, solar installations, or boreholes for water. However, these solutions have their limitations and come at a high cost compared to obtaining services from efficient public providers.
Efforts have been made by the FCT Administration to mitigate the impact of unreliable electricity supply. They installed thousands of standalone solar streetlights, hoping to escape the unreliable power supply from the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company. Unfortunately, many of these streetlights were vandalized, with poles cut and lamps stolen. Even security personnel were unable to prevent these acts, often occurring right under their watch.
In response to the rising tide of nocturnal crimes, the FCT Administration provided operation vehicles to security agencies, pledging more support. However, the lack of a swift legal system and the failure to punish and return recovered stolen items undermines these efforts. Criminals are frequently released on bail, allowing them to continue their activities, while recovered stolen goods languish in the custody of security agencies. As a result, replacement expenses for stolen items continue to burden public funds year after year.
The Nigerian justice system’s inability to swiftly dispense justice and hold offenders accountable perpetuates the cycle of crime and misappropriation of public resources. Without addressing these challenges, the nation will struggle to overcome the pervasive issues of vandalism and insecurity.
As Nigeria grapples with the economic costs of vandalism and insecurity, it is clear that urgent action is needed to hold the DisCo accountable, strengthen security measures, and ensure swift justice. Failure to address these issues will jeopardize the nation’s progress and hinder its ability to provide essential services and a safe environment for all its citizens.
