- NSCDC CG tasks experts on support
Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, the Commandant General (CG) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), urged the members and stakeholders at the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre (NSSRCC) to provide expert support to ensure the successful implementation of the Safe Schools Programme. The call was made during the inauguration of the 21-member Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of the NSSRCC at the Corps National Headquarters in Abuja.
Dr. Audi emphasized the necessity of the safe schools program, recognizing the significance of education in human capital development and national progress. Given the escalating attacks on school facilities in Nigeria, he stressed the importance of deploying extraordinary measures to address the issue.
The CG explained that the NSSRCC plays a critical role in the National Plan for safe schools, responsible for coordinating, preventing, and ensuring the safety and security of schools and host communities in collaboration with the military, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders.
He urged the members of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to provide maximum support to the center to ensure the successful implementation of the Safe Schools Programme. The national plan aims to prevent attacks and protect schools and host communities from violence.
Dr. Audi mentioned that a committee of experts was formed shortly after the center’s launch to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and an implementation framework aligned with global best practices. The inauguration of the TAC is in line with the SOP, which requires relevant stakeholders to appoint representatives for effective administration of the program.
In his address, CSC Tersoo Shaapera, PhD, the Commander of the center, clarified that the NSCDC is the lead agency hosting the NSSRCC and emphasized the necessity of the TAC to utilize the knowledge and expertise of each represented agency to benefit the center.
He dismissed any misconceptions of conflict with sister agencies or stakeholders, stating that the national document on the implementation of the Safe Schools Programme clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of each agency.
The TAC comprises members from various government security agencies, Federal ministries, and critical stakeholders, including representatives from the SGF, CDS, NSA, IGP, DSS, NIA, Ministries of Education, Defence, Finance, Budget, and National Planning. Also included are the Governors Forum, NEMA, NAPTIP, Ministries of Justice, Interior, Humanitarian Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Civil Society Organisation (CSO), DIA, Independent Consultants, and the NSCDC CG as the chairman.
Representatives from the Chief of Defence Staff, National Security Adviser, Ministries of Defence, Education, Finance, Budget, National Planning, Nigeria Governors Forum, and Save the Children, expressed their congratulations and assured their support for the successful implementation of the Safe Schools Programme.
