The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed concern over the growing cases of vandalism and theft targeting public infrastructure across Niger Delta communities, warning that the trend threatens sustainable development in the region.

The commission said the destruction, neglect and sabotage of projects executed for host communities were undermining progress in key sectors, including electricity, road infrastructure and other essential services aimed at improving living standards.

Speaking at a one-day capacity-building programme for stakeholders in Okitipupa, Ondo State, the NDDC Executive Director, Corporate Services, Ifedayo Abegunde, described the spate of vandalism affecting commission projects as disturbing and counterproductive.

Abegunde, who was represented by the Ondo State Director of the commission, Engr. Kunle Karaki, said the destruction of public assets had become a major setback to development efforts in the oil-rich region.

He explained that the engagement was organised to raise awareness among stakeholders and promote a culture of shared responsibility in protecting infrastructure delivered by the commission.

According to him, true community ownership goes beyond using facilities, stressing that it entails active stewardship, vigilance, prompt reporting of irregularities and collaboration in maintenance.

“Regrettably, we have observed instances where vandalism, theft, neglect and insufficient community engagement have compromised valuable assets intended to improve collective wellbeing,” he said. 

He continued “Such setbacks not only delay progress but also diminish the returns on resources committed for the benefit of our people.

“It is in recognition of this reality that we have convened this campaign. Our objective is to deepen awareness, encourage a sense of shared responsibility, and promote a culture of ownership that ensures every completed project is protected, maintained and optimised for present and future generations.

“When communities embrace projects as their own, they become custodians of progress, transforming public infrastructure into symbols of pride, unity and collective achievement.”

He added that through its Corporate Affairs Directorate and state offices, the commission remains committed to strengthening partnerships with host communities to guarantee the sustainability of its projects.

Abegunde reiterated that the NDDC has continued to tackle socio-economic and environmental challenges in oil-producing areas through the provision of roads, bridges, schools, health facilities, water schemes, solar streetlights, as well as youth empowerment and capacity-building initiatives.

In a paper titled “Strengthening Community Ownership Framework for Sustainable NDDC Project Monitoring and Protection Against Vandalism and Theft,” Mr. Ajibola Shekoni of the Centre for Peace and Security Studies, Lagos State University, linked persistent vandalism to security gaps and deeper sociological issues.

The paper, presented by former Chief Press Secretary to ex-Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko, Eniola Akinsola, argued that communities often feel disconnected from the wealth generated from their lands, particularly when excluded from needs assessments and project design processes.

“When communities are left out at the initial stages, they tend to view infrastructure as government property rather than communal heritage. The absence of psychological ownership renders projects vulnerable to vandalism,” he noted.

Also speaking, the NDDC Director of Peace and Development Project (PEDEP), Francis Abayomi, urged stakeholders to resist acts of destruction and instead support efforts to monitor and secure public assets.

One of the participants, Pastor Ogundairo Emiloju, called on the commission to intensify community engagement before executing projects, while condemning vandalism and sabotage.

He emphasised that broader consultation and improved project quality would encourage residents to take ownership and safeguard infrastructure meant for their benefit.

“It is important to engage the community on what they want. If you give us what we want, it will make us more conscious of protecting it,” he said.

He, however, alleged that some projects were substandard and politically influenced, urging the commission to ensure better quality control, greater community participation and the establishment of a maintenance department.