Pix: Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, NSCDC CG

By Isiaka Mustapha, CEO/Editor-In-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), under the visionary leadership of its Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, continues to consolidate its place as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing security institutions. From manpower development to infrastructural expansion, the Corps has consistently demonstrated that it is not only committed to fulfilling its statutory mandate of protecting critical national assets and infrastructure but also determined to leave behind a stronger, more resilient institution for future generations.

One of the latest achievements that has attracted wide commendation is the successful acquisition of a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) and building approval from the Lagos State Government for the expansion and reconstruction of a befitting ultra-modern headquarters for the Lagos State Command. For an institution that places high premium on discipline, visibility, and efficiency, this infrastructural milestone is both symbolic and strategic.

Lagos is not just another state in Nigeria for the NSCDC. It is, in fact, the birthplace of the Corps. The origin of the NSCDC dates back to Lagos during the Nigerian Civil War in 1967 when it was first established as the Lagos Civil Defence Committee. Its initial role was to educate and protect civilians during air raids and emergencies, particularly in a city that was then the country’s capital and a key target during the conflict. Over the years, the committee evolved, expanding its functions, gaining recognition, and gradually transforming into a national security outfit. In 2003, the NSCDC was formally given statutory backing by an Act of the National Assembly, but its roots remain firmly planted in Lagos. For this reason, Lagos is rightly regarded as the cradle of the Corps, its symbolic home that deserves every attention and special consideration in its developmental agenda.

Beyond history, Lagos is Nigeria’s commercial capital, busiest seaport city, and financial nerve center. It is home to multi-billion-naira infrastructure, a fast-growing population, and some of the country’s most critical public and private assets. Insecurity or disruption in Lagos is insecurity for the entire nation. It is therefore only fitting that the Lagos Command of the NSCDC should receive a headquarters facility that reflects both its special status and the enormous security demands of the state.

The C of O milestone was achieved through the relentless support of the Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, and the pragmatic leadership of the Lagos Commandant, Commandant Keshinro Adedotun. While Professor Audi has consistently created the enabling environment, provided logistics, and driven reforms at the national level, Commandant Adedotun has proved himself a dependable leader at the state level, ensuring that Lagos Command continues to stand out as a model of effectiveness. His leadership, however, would not have produced such results without the loyalty, dedication, and confidence of his team. The officers and men of the Lagos Command deserve special commendation for standing firmly behind their Commandant, believing in his vision, and working hand-in-hand with him to deliver on this historic feat. Their collective commitment reflects a spirit of unity that strengthens the Corps at every level.

It is important to stress that Lagos is not an isolated case. Under Professor Audi’s stewardship, the NSCDC has embarked on broad infrastructural reforms across Nigeria. A notable example is the construction of eight divisional offices in various states. These projects are already transforming the Corps’ visibility and impact at the grassroots, reducing response times to threats, and providing officers with more conducive environments to carry out their duties. These infrastructural achievements point to one thing: a Commandant General who is deeply committed to institutional growth and modernization. By investing in infrastructure, Professor Audi is laying down foundations that will long outlive his tenure.

While Lagos celebrates its well-deserved progress, attention must shift to Kogi State Command, where the situation is less encouraging. At present, the command in Lokoja operates from a facility located within a residential area. This is far from ideal. Not only does it pose security risks to both officers and residents, but it also undermines the Corps’ operational effectiveness and administrative efficiency. Given Kogi’s central location in Nigeria and its growing importance as a hub for critical infrastructure—including power installations, major highways, and river ports—the state deserves a befitting, purpose-built headquarters. Replicating the Lagos model in Kogi would not only strengthen the Corps’ operational base but also reassure citizens of its readiness to protect them and their assets.

The success recorded in Lagos cannot be viewed in isolation from the immense support of the Lagos State Government, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the traditional institutions, indigenes, sister agencies and corporate stakeholders such as MTN. Their cooperation and partnership with the Corps have been pivotal in achieving steady growth and sustaining security in the state. By consistently supporting the NSCDC, these stakeholders have shown an understanding that security is a collective responsibility. Their contributions whether through policy, goodwill, or corporate social responsibility have enabled the Corps to thrive in Lagos and serve as an example of what strong partnerships can achieve.

Ultimately, what stands out in all of this is the leadership style of Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi. His supportive role, providing enabling environments, logistics, and institutional backing, has given state commandants like Keshinro Adedotun the confidence and space to prove their worth as dependable leaders. The Lagos achievement is proof of what can be accomplished when vision, pragmatism, teamwork, and history intersect.

The infrastructural transformation of the Lagos Command of the NSCDC is more than just a project; it is a statement of intent, a recognition of history, and an investment in the future. As the Corps continues to expand and modernize, the Lagos success story should be urgently replicated in Kogi and other states where infrastructural challenges persist. With Professor Audi at the helm, the Corps is not just responding to today’s security challenges but also preparing for the future, building a stronger, more respected, and more resilient NSCDC that reflects its mandate and legacy.