FG to criminalise infrastructure theft, target scrap syndicates

By Kunle Sanni

The federal government is considering new legal measures to curb the theft and vandalism of public infrastructure, including scrap metals and other government assets, following a rise in such incidents across the country.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this while briefing journalists after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held Monday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Idris said the government has observed an alarming increase in theft from critical infrastructure such as bridges and public roads—often carried out at night by individuals seeking profit from reselling the materials.

“There’s a growing trend where people, under the cover of darkness, are removing iron metals, critical bridge components, and other public assets and selling them off,” he said. “The federal government is seriously considering criminalizing this behavior more explicitly.”

Although current laws penalize vandalism and theft of public property, Idris noted that President Bola Tinubu has directed the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to review legal provisions to ensure stricter enforcement and better deterrence.

“These stolen materials are often resold to middlemen who recycle and reintroduce them into the market, creating a dangerous cycle of public asset destruction for private gain,” he added.

The minister also noted a new urgency within FEC to fast-track decisions on key national issues.

He said the council will reconvene within two days to address pending matters requiring immediate attention, particularly those tied to public safety and regulatory reform.