State govts charged to protect rail assets as LSSTF donates security vehicles

By Fidelis Ugbomeh

Concerned about increase in vandalism of railway assets in some parts of the country and need for protection, the management of Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has called on state governments, especially across 26 states where railway has operational presence, to support protection of railway assets.

The call was made through managing director/chief executive officer of the corporation Dr. Kayode Opeifa, in Lagos recently during the presentation of two vehicles by officials of Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) to strengthen security operations and enhance protection of railway infrastructure and other critical national assets.

Foiled attempts of rail vandals

Prior to the presentation of patrol vehicles, the corporation had, in collaboration with Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), on August 28, this year, foiled attempts to vandalise track materials at sidings serving Dangote steel rolling mills, Osogbo, Osun state.

On sighting security operatives, the vandals fled the scene, while a search led to the recovery of nine oxygen gas cylinders brought to site for the illegal operation at the site, which is currently not in operation.

Security operatives were, thereafter, directed to intensify efforts to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of the act but till date nobody has been arrested.

Presentation of vehicles

During the presentation of two operational vehicles that will help curb future acts of vandalism, Opeifa said effective collaboration with states would facilitate quicker response to vandalism and other criminal activities affecting railway infrastructure.

He also commended the leadership and entire team of the LSSTF for their commitment, partnership and continued support towards the safety and security of the railway system in Lagos State.

He noted that the donation would further enhance the capacity of security agencies attached to the railways to effectively protect passengers, railway infrastructure and other assets.

The railway helmsman assured the Lagos State government and LSSTF that the vehicles would be deployed strictly for the purposes for which they were donated.

Beyond the provision of operational vehicles, Opeifa disclosed that the Lagos State government had expressed readiness to rehabilitate some roads within the railway compound and provide solar-powered streetlights upon completion.

He added that work was already ongoing on a major storm-water drainage project designed to channel water from the railway compound towards the Mile 2 lagoon.

According to him, the drainage intervention, which commenced earlier in the year, has significantly improved the environment around the railway compound and helped prevent the perennial flooding previously experienced during heavy rainfall.

LSSTF support for rail security

Presenting the vehicles earlier, executive secretary/chief executive officer of the LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, said the intervention was part of the state government’s continued support for security agencies and institutions operating within Lagos State.

Ogunsan, who was accompanied by the administrative secretary of the fund, Mr. Demola Lewis, said the donation was aimed at enhancing the capacity of security personnel attached to the railway to respond effectively to incidents of vandalism, theft and other criminal activities along the railway corridor.

He commended the ongoing transformation within the Nigerian Railway Corporation under the leadership of Dr. Opeifa, noting that the Lagos State Government considered it necessary to extend further support towards securing railway infrastructure and improving operational effectiveness.

Ogunsan urged the Nigeria Police Railway Command and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, who are expected to utilise the vehicles for railway security operations, to ensure their judicious use.

He explained that LSSTF has a monitoring mechanism to ensure that assets donated for security purposes are deployed strictly for the assignments for which they were provided.

According to him, responsible utilisation of the vehicles would encourage the Lagos State Government and the fund to provide further assistance where necessary.

Deployment of vehicles

Speaking on behalf of the two security agencies, representative of the commissioner of police, Nigeria Railway Police Command, Deputy Commissioner of Police Yahaya Usman, thanked Lagos State government and LSSTF for the donation to the Nigeria Police and NSCDC.

He assured them that the vehicles would be deployed strictly for railway security operations and used responsibly to strengthen surveillance, patrol and response capabilities along the railway corridor.

According to a statement issued by chief public relations officer of the corporation, Mr. Callistus Uyinmadu, on behalf of management, the intervention further underscores growing partnership between NRC and Lagos State government in promoting safer railway operations, protecting critical infrastructure and improving security of passengers and railway communities.