Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Asaba Branch, has initiated moves to strengthen its strategic security partnership with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Delta State Command, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The proposed collaboration is aimed at strengthening the protection of the CBN’s facilities, recognised as Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, as well as safeguarding sensitive electoral materials expected to be kept in the bank’s custody ahead of the forthcoming elections.

The CBN Asaba Branch Controller, Mr Imokhai, who led a delegation of senior officials to the office of the Delta State Commandant of the NSCDC, Commandant Chinedu Igbo, said the engagement underscored the importance of inter-agency cooperation in strengthening national security. He noted that government institutions must understand their respective statutory responsibilities and recognise the importance of working with relevant security agencies to ensure effective service delivery.

He particularly acknowledged the strategic role of the NSCDC in protecting critical national assets and infrastructure.Imokhai appreciated Commandant Igbo for the warm reception and expressed the bank’s readiness to deepen its existing relationship with the Corps, particularly in securing sensitive materials that would be deposited in its custody for the 2027 general elections. Responding, Commandant Igbo commended the CBN delegation for the visit, describing it as timely and necessary. He recalled the longstanding cordial relationship between both institutions and expressed satisfaction with their continued cooperation.

The Commandant, however, emphasised the need to expand the partnership beyond operational security to include Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, noting that additional institutional support would strengthen the Corps’ capacity to discharge its extensive statutory responsibilities in Delta State.

He also sought clarification on the Private Guard Company engaged by the bank and its operational status, stressing the importance of ensuring that private security arrangements complement the statutory responsibilities of recognised government security agencies.Commandant Igbo assured the CBN delegation of the command’s unwavering commitment to providing necessary security support whenever required, reaffirming the NSCDC’s readiness to work closely with the bank in protecting its facilities, personnel and sensitive materials.

The engagement further highlights the importance of inter-agency collaboration in safeguarding critical national infrastructure and strengthening security preparedness ahead of the 2027 general elections.