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THE TRANSFORMATION OF NSCDC UNDER AUDI ABUBAKAR

Published

3 years ago

July 14, 2023

By Solomon Semaka

It takes great efforts and long time to build any worthy cause but destruction happens in a twinkle of an eye. Building solid institutions especially in a democratic setting requires the commitment of leaders and administrators of great repute and strong will. Whether by act of intentionality or divine happenstance, when Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, Phd, mni, assumed office as commandant-general of the Nigeria Security And Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the first from among the ranks of the service, many Nigerians including myself were skeptical of his ability to bring lasting reforms in the agency. This was because of the bad situation at the agency at the time of his appointment.

Audi’s, appointment as reports indicate has indeed proven that it was the best at rebuilding and enhancing the Corps’ productivity and efficiency. This he has achieved within two years of his leadership with numerous accomplishments, proving his capacity as an administrator and compatriot with the zeal to get things done for our dear country. Within just (2 )years of leadership of the corps, the Ahmed Audi led administration has justified the confidence reposed in him with lots of modest but novel achievements to his credit.

Upon assumption of office, the CG’s first priority was to restore the glory of the corps and boost the morale of its personnel by introducing transformational programmes and reforms in line with his vision to reposition the service and improve the operational capacity of the corps for general improved performance.

As a gender friendly and sensitive leader, Dr. Audi launched a gender policy document with the aim of including female officers in the structure and administrative echelon of the service. To keep the NSCDC vision for female officers alive, the NSCDC under his watch established a special female squad to address security challenges, particularly the abduction and kidnapping of school children. The squad increased surveillance and patrol of schools and provided relevant security awareness and reporting systems. To guide their operations, a vulnerability survey of schools in Nigeria was conducted, leading to the formation of the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre (NSSRCC) at the Corps National Headquarters. The center conducted training programmes for critical stakeholders. This innovative approach to gender mainstreaming is the first of its kind globally. This initiative has been commended for it’s impact on the United Nations Safe Schools Initiative program.

Under Audi’s watch, the NSCDC has prioritised training, retraining, and staff welfare to enhance personnel’s operational efficiency in the face of prevailing security challenges. So far, thousands of Corps personnel were trained in various skills and competencies to boost operational capabilities. It is also reported that a Ministerial Committee has developed a pragmatic and 21st century curriculum for the newly established Civil Defence Command and Staff College in Jos which has since been commissioned and operational. This is a sharp departure from an era where there was drought of training opportunities and support from the Corps. No wonder, the Corps has become one of the most effective, disciplined and productive security agencies as can be attested by the number of awards and recognitions coming from different stakeholders both locally and internationally.

Similarly, Corps welfare has received a big boost under the leadership of Dr. Audi Abubakar as the Commandant General. Massive affordable housing projects have so far commenced across the country for junior and intermediate officers with the one in Abuja completed and occupied. The Corps has also completed and commissioned the Sokoto and Kebbi states command to provide befitting office space for effective service delivery. Again, over 200 million insurance benefits have been paid in the last two years alone. Over sixty million naira (₦60,000,000.00) has been given to (119) personnel that sustained various degrees of injuries in the course of duty through the NSCDC Group Personal Accident Scheme. This is the first of its kind in Nigeria. It is interesting to note that another set of 162 families were paid eighty five million naira (₦85,000,000.00) as burial benefits. Other payments running into millions of Naira have been paid under various welfare and insurance schemes. Indeed Dr. Audi is a true reformer and transformer.

To ease operational difficulties and combat vandalism, sabotage and criminal theft of national assets, the Corps embarked on an equipment drive, acquiring operational vehicles, surveillance equipment, and eight gunboats to protect critical assets and fight against oil thieves. The formation of the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad (CGSIS), Agro-Rangers, Peace and Conflict Resolution unit has been an intentional effort by Dr. Audi to give a boost to his strategy in securing national assets, safeguarding farmers and farmlands. Indeed, CGSIS and the other units have performed optimally well in this regard and have combated criminal activities, safeguarding farms, farmers and sustainably settling disputes between farmers and herders through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). The arrest of bandits, kidnappers, and fraudsters, oil thieves, vandals and a cache of weapons is a testament to the strides of this achiever.

In line with its mandate, the NSCDC under Dr. Audi has made efforts to improve the private security industry by digitizing the Private Guard Company Department and coordinating the welfare and training of private guards. This is a step in the right direction as private guards play a very pivotal role in containing security in homes, industries and other critical sectors of the economy. Their regulation will therefore help industry players and stakeholders to act accordingly to laid down rules and guidelines for national development.

The Corps under Dr. Audi played a significant role in election security management during the 2023 general elections, ensuring the protection of INEC staff and election materials. The fact that even international observers commended the Corps for its protection of human rights, and absence of any involvement in electoral malpractice pays credence to the diligence of Dr. Audi and the entire Service.

The rain of awards and recognition received by Dr. Audi and Corps within the last two years, including the prestigious Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) as well as the award given to the NSCDC for being the Best Government Agency of the Year in 2022 have validated the wisdom to appoint heads of security agencies from within the ranks of their service.

The partnership with the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) to review and validate the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure National Protection Policy and Strategy (CNAI-NPPS 2023) is yet another milestone. There’s no doubt that the NSCDC under Audi’s watch has been reformed and transformed for better service delivery and improved national security.

Solomon Semaka, an anti-corruption crusader and public affairs analyst writes from Abuja.

News

“Nigeria’s Biggest Ever Coalition, Civil Groups, Professionals, Labour, Artisans, Declare for Bola Tinubu”

Published

5 days ago

April 14, 2026

milcah

In what is being described as an unprecedented political development ahead of the 2027 general elections, a broad-based national coalition cutting across civil society organisations, professional bodies, labour groups, artisan associations, and other grassroots networks has announced plans to formally endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office.

The coalition, spearheaded by the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria, COCSON, now extends far beyond the traditional civic space, bringing together over 1,500 groups from diverse sectors of the Nigerian society. Participants include human rights organisations, medical and legal professionals, trade and artisan unions, community-based organisations, and influential labour leaders, reflecting a wide national spread and multi-sectoral backing.

The historic convention is scheduled to hold on May 17, 2026, where leaders and representatives of the various groups are expected to converge in what organisers say will be the largest endorsement gathering in Nigeria’s history. The event will serve as the official platform for the coalition to collectively declare support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

In a major demonstration of grassroots mobilisation, the coalition also revealed plans to submit a compiled total of 20 million signatures of Nigerians who have endorsed the President’s candidacy. The signatures, gathered through extensive nationwide engagement, are being positioned as a clear indication of public support cutting across regions, professions, and social strata.

Organisers of the event stated that the decision to back President Tinubu is driven by what they described as tangible strides in economic reforms, governance, and national stability. They emphasised that the inclusion of non-traditional actors such as artisans, market groups, and labour unions underscores a broader national consensus that transcends the usual civil society framework.

Political analysts say the scale and diversity of this coalition mark a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, where support structures are no longer confined to political parties and elite stakeholders but are increasingly driven by a fusion of grassroots and professional constituencies.

As momentum builds towards the May 17 convention, observers are keenly watching how this expansive alliance will shape political narratives and influence voter sentiment in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.

Further details on the convention and breakdown of participating groups are expected to be unveiled in the coming days.

News

How ISWAP killed Army Col. Six others in Borno.

Published

5 days ago

April 14, 2026

Our Reporter

☆☆☆As Troops Foil Series of Ambushes.

Troops of the Nigerian Army under operation Hadin Kai have foiled a series of ambush by suspected members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (I SWAP) terrorist along the Monguno in Borno state.

Islamic state of West Africa province (ISWAP) have attacked the Nigerian army from Monguno 242 Battion Barrack in Borno State on their way to reinforce the camp.

A serving Nigerian Army Colonel was reportedly killed in an ambush by insurgents in Monguno, Borno State, during a reinforcement mission

Source added said that colonel I.A. Muhammad was ambushed by ISWAP and killed along with four other soldiers.

Community confirmed that the troops who were on a fighting patrol as part of operation,came under fire from suspected terrorists

As of the time of felling this report, there has been no official statements from the Nigerian Army regarding the accident.

News

Dogara Felicitates Dangote at 69, Applauds His Enduring Impact on Africa

Published

1 week ago

April 11, 2026

milcah

Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC), has joined Nigerians and the global business community in celebrating Alhaji Aliko Dangote on his 69th birthday. In a detailed tribute, Dogara described Dangote as “a visionary whose life’s work has become a cornerstone of Africa’s economic transformation.”

Dogara emphasized that Dangote’s entrepreneurial journey is one of resilience and foresight. From humble beginnings, he built the Dangote Group into Africa’s largest conglomerate, with investments spanning cement, sugar, salt, fertilizers, and the landmark Dangote Refinery. These ventures, Dogara noted, have not only revolutionized industries but also created millions of jobs, strengthened Nigeria’s economy, and reduced dependence on imports. “Alhaji Dangote is not just an entrepreneur; he is a nation-builder whose vision has redefined what is possible for Nigeria and Africa,” Dogara said.

He pointed out that the Dangote Refinery, in particular, represents a turning point in Nigeria’s energy sector, offering the promise of self-sufficiency in petroleum products and positioning the country as a major player in global energy markets. “This singular achievement underscores his commitment to solving Africa’s most pressing challenges through bold and innovative solutions,” Dogara remarked.

Beyond his industrial empire, Dogara praised Dangote’s philanthropy through the Dangote Foundation, which has invested heavily in healthcare, education, and humanitarian relief. From building hospitals and funding scholarships to providing aid during crises, Dangote’s generosity has touched countless lives across the continent. “His philanthropy reflects a deep commitment to humanity. He has shown that true greatness lies not only in building industries but also in uplifting lives,” Dogara added.

Dogara also reflected on the inspirational power of Dangote’s story, stressing that his rise from modest beginnings to global prominence serves as a beacon of hope for young Africans. “His journey proves that with hard work, faith, and determination, Africans can build enterprises that rival the best in the world. He remains a shining example of African excellence,” he concluded.

As Dangote celebrates his 69th birthday, his legacy continues to resonate far beyond Nigeria’s borders. His life stands as a testament to the transformative power of vision, enterprise, and compassion—an enduring reminder that Africa’s future can be defined by innovation, resilience, and generosity