The Lagos State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has reaffirmed its commitment to citizen engagement in safeguarding Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI). This was during a high-level coordination meeting convened by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) at the IHS Office, Victoria Island, Lagos on Monday 22nd September 2025.
Representing the Agency, Dr. Mustafa Adedeji Tukur, NOA Lagos State Director, delivered a goodwill message that highlighted NOA’s central role in bridging the gap between government policies and citizen participation. He explained that protecting national assets requires the active involvement of ordinary Nigerians, not just the vigilance of security agencies.
To strengthen this approach, Dr. Tukur announced the creation of two new departments in the Lagos Directorate:
1. Community Safety, Awareness and Compliance Department
2. Community Outreach and Development Department
These departments, he explained, will serve as platforms for deeper grassroots mobilisation, more consistent sensitisation campaigns, and greater citizen compliance with regulations guiding the protection of public infrastructure. “The sustainability of Nigeria’s critical assets depends on the collective responsibility of government, security agencies, and citizens alike. NOA is ready to ensure that every community understands its role in safeguarding the nation’s economic backbone,” he stated.
Dr. Tukur further emphasised NOA’s readiness to partner with traditional rulers, community leaders, schools, market associations, and civil society organisations in carrying out regular public enlightenment campaigns. He noted that this will complement the security measures outlined in the CNAI directives, particularly those targeting vandalism, scavenging regulation, and proactive conflict resolution.
Earlier, the Lagos State NSCDC Commandant, Mr. Keshiro Adetotun, explained that the meeting was convened to domesticate CNAI directives at the state level, stressing the importance of joint surveillance, intelligence sharing, and stakeholder cooperation.
Also speaking, Mr. Sheyi Adetayo, Chief Security Officer of Airtel, raised concerns about the vandalism of telecom assets by scavengers, urging tighter regulation and greater public enlightenment. He commended NOA’s efforts and encouraged the Agency to intensify its campaigns.
The meeting produced a communiqué which, among other resolutions, called for restricted scavenging hours, stronger legal enforcement, quarterly sensitisation of scrap dealers, improved surveillance systems, and the creation of toll-free lines for whistleblowers and emergencies.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Squadron Leader E. A. Olowu (Nigerian Air Force), DCP Kalu (representing the Lagos State Commissioner of Police), N. D. Daramola (DSS), Mr. Adeniyi Adebayo (EFCC), Mr. Chukwura Alexander (ICPC), Lt. Cole A. B. Saleh (Nigerian Army), and representatives from FAAN, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs, Lagos State Ministry of Infrastructure, Scrap Dealers Association, and major telecoms operators.
The coordination meeting reinforced a united commitment to safeguard critical infrastructure, with NOA Lagos, under Dr. Mustafa Adedeji Tukur’s leadership, positioning citizen enlightenment and grassroots mobilisation as a pillar of national security and sustainable development.
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