The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has partnered with Search for Common Ground (SFCG) to bolster efforts in responding to conflict situations, aiming to create a safer and more peaceful society. The collaboration was formalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the NSCDC National Headquarters.
The MoU was signed by NSCDC Commandant General Abubakar Ahmed Audi, represented by Deputy Commandant General Adeyinka Fasiu Ayinla, and SFCG Country Director Fatima Abubakar Madaki, alongside other key stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Madaki emphasized the importance of combining the expertise of both organizations to manage hate speech, misinformation, and rumors, particularly those related to security issues. She expressed optimism about working closely with the NSCDC across Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas and the FCT to track early warning signs of conflict and take swift action to prevent escalation.
Madaki also highlighted SFCG’s commitment to training NSCDC personnel on the Early Warning Early Response (EWER) mechanism, equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively respond to conflicts and contribute to peace-building.
In his remarks, Commandant General Audi noted that the partnership is mutually beneficial, enhancing both the Corps’ and SFCG’s efforts, ultimately benefiting the Nigerian populace. He cited the NSCDC’s Peace and Conflict Resolution Unit, which has successfully resolved over 16,000 conflicts through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), as a testament to the Corps’ dedication to maintaining peace.
Audi expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing training and retraining of NSCDC personnel by SFCG, reiterating his administration’s commitment to improving performance through continuous capacity building.
