The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has called for its inclusion in the Constitution and the establishment of an NSCDC service commission.
Yusuff Ogunrinde made the appeal at the South-West Zonal Public Hearing on the 1999 Constitution Review in Lagos. Representing the NSCDC Oyo command, Mr Ogunrinde also sought amendments to the NSCDC Act 2007 to align with constitutional changes and related matters.
Regarding his legal status, he explained that the NSCDC currently operates under the NSCDC Act of 2003, as amended in 2007, which outlines its powers and responsibilities.
He said that the absence of constitutional recognition leaves the NSCDC vulnerable to institutional instability and questions of operational legitimacy, unlike the police or the military.
Mr Ogunrinde advocated for the NSCDC’s inclusion in the Constitution to ensure legal backing and permanence. He said constitutional recognition would provide legal certainty and strengthen public trust in the NSCDC’s authority and relevance.
He stressed that constitutional backing would provide a clear mandate for operations and enhance funding and resource allocation to the NSCDC.
Mr Ogunrinde added that such inclusion would ensure stability for NSCDC regardless of government or leadership changes. He noted that the Constitution and amendments would better define the NSCDC’s responsibilities and guide its operations nationwide.
He added that it would improve inter-agency collaboration, national security, accountability, civil defence, and alignment with global best practices. Mr Ogunrinde also called for the establishment of an NSCDC commission to improve oversight, recruitment, promotions, and public confidence.
He recalled that the NSCDC originated from the Lagos Civil Defence Committee, formed during the 1967 civil war. It became institutionalised with the NSCDC Act of 2003, recognising the need for specialised civilian protection within Nigeria’s security architecture.
He stated that the NSCDC, under the Ministry of Interior, protects national infrastructure, including oil, gas, power, and transport, which are essential to Nigeria’s economy and stability.
The NSCDC also regulates private guard companies and has created specialised units to fulfil its responsibilities. These units include the Agro Rangers, Safe School Initiative, Mine Marshal, and Emergency and Civil Defence Response Units.
(NAN)
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