NIGERIA: Lagos Assembly Calls For Immediate Action On Scavengers And Manhole Theft

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

The Lagos State House of Assembly has charged the Lagos state government with taking urgent action against the growing issue of scavengers and manhole thefts across the city.

The appeal was made during a plenary session led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, where lawmakers called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to instruct the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources to enforce the Environmental Management Protection Law of 2017 and implement penalties for violators.

The Honourable, representing the Eti-Osa 2 constituency, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, brought the matter to attention in the house, emphasising how the issue of thefts by scavengers is posing a threat to the significant infrastructure investments made by the government.

He mentioned that infrastructures, including underground ducts, iron-cast manhole covers, and steel safety rails on bridges, are crucial for public safety, reducing traffic congestion, preventing flooding, and improving the road network in Lagos.

Yishawu warned; ‘’If this trend is not swiftly curtailed, the destruction of critical road infrastructure, increased road accidents due to open manholes, and blocked drainage systems leading to flooding will pose serious setbacks to the state’s development efforts.”

To address the issue, the Assembly proposed several measures, such as replacing stolen manhole covers with materials like glass-reinforced plastic, which have little resale value. They also advocated for public awareness campaigns to inform residents about the dangers of manhole theft and encourage them to report suspicious activities.

Additionally, the Assembly suggested creating a whistleblower program to help identify and apprehend offenders and proposed establishing neighbourhood watch groups to protect public infrastructure.

The Lagos State Lawmakers also called for law enforcement to intensify efforts to arrest those involved in scavenging and vandalism, ensuring they face appropriate legal consequences.