Lagos: NSCDC, Housing ministry partner on security of estates

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, has pledged to deepen collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Housing to strengthen security in government-owned estates and protect residents across the state.

The commitment was made by the Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr Adedotun Keshinro, during a meeting with the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Housing, Engr. Abdulhafis Gbolahan Toriola, who visited the Commandant at his office in Alausa, Lagos.

According to the Command’s spokesperson, Superintendent of Corps, SC Oluwaseun Abolurin, the meeting centered on strengthening inter-agency cooperation, particularly in securing residents, housing facilities and other government properties across the state’s estates.

Toriola, during the visit, called for enhanced security arrangements around government estates, stressing the importance of protecting residents and safeguarding public housing infrastructure.

The Permanent Secretary also sought the support of the NSCDC in identifying abandoned residential buildings and other unoccupied structures scattered across the state.

He expressed concern that such structures, if left unattended, could become vulnerable to criminal activities and other social vices.

Toriola said a comprehensive identification of abandoned buildings would assist the government in tackling potential security threats, while also providing useful information for addressing risks associated with neglected or structurally compromised buildings.

He added that the initiative would complement the state government’s housing policies aimed at expanding housing availability, improving affordability and reducing the burden of accommodation on residents.

Responding, Keshinro assured the Ministry of the Command’s readiness to collaborate with it towards ensuring adequate protection of lives and property within government estates.

The Commandant said the NSCDC would deploy its personnel and operational structures across the state’s divisions to support the initiative.

Keshinro further disclosed that the Command would work with the Ministry to identify abandoned houses and provide relevant statistics that could assist the government in formulating appropriate intervention strategies.

He explained that the exercise would also help prevent criminal elements from turning abandoned buildings into hideouts.

Beyond security concerns, the Commandant said the information generated from the exercise could assist relevant authorities in addressing risks associated with abandoned and potentially unsafe buildings, including building collapse and other disasters.

To this end, Keshinro directed all NSCDC Divisional Officers in Lagos to commence the identification of abandoned houses within their respective Areas of Responsibility (AoRs).

The exercise, according to the Command, is expected to provide government with reliable information that could aid strategies for securing vulnerable locations and improving the safety of residents.

The development underscores the importance of stronger collaboration among security and government agencies in protecting residential communities and public infrastructure amid the challenges posed by rapid urban development in Lagos.

The NSCDC Lagos Command reiterated its commitment to working with relevant government institutions and other stakeholders to protect critical infrastructure, prevent criminal activities and ensure the safety of residents across the state.