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

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare, safety and protection of personnel, describing their well-being as a priority that cannot be compromised.Audi, represented by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Technical Services, DCG Zakari Ibrahim Ningi, stated this at the opening of a three-day sensitisation programme for NSCDC insurance desk officers and personnel on their onboarding onto the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS), facilitated by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).

The Commandant General noted that the NSCDC, as a critical component of Nigeria’s internal security architecture, operates in a challenging environment that exposes its officers and men to occupational hazards, injuries and other risks.He explained that personnel engaged in protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, safeguarding lives and property, disaster management, emergency response and other statutory duties deserve adequate institutional protection, including support for their families in the event of injury, disability or death in the line of duty.

According to him, the Employees’ Compensation Scheme is an important social protection mechanism designed to provide compensation and assistance to employees who suffer work-related injuries, disabilities, occupational diseases or death in the course of their employment.He stressed that beyond its financial benefits, the scheme would promote workers’ dignity, enhance job security and strengthen confidence among personnel and their families.

The Managing Director of the NSITF, Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, commended Audi for prioritising personnel welfare, noting that the Corps had demonstrated sustained commitment to implementing the scheme since 2024 through collaboration with the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

Earlier, the Deputy Commandant in charge of the Insurance Unit, Dr Jimoh Abiola, described the sensitisation and onboarding exercise as timely and strategic, explaining that it would improve personnel’s understanding of the scheme’s coverage, eligibility criteria, benefits, obligations and claims procedures.She disclosed that the programme was designed as a Train-the-Trainers initiative, with participants drawn from state commands, zonal commands and the National Headquarters. She urged them to participate actively and ensure that the knowledge acquired was effectively transferred to other personnel across the country.

The programme also featured goodwill messages from stakeholders, including representatives of the Office of the Head of Service, Cornerstone Insurance Plc and Fengate Insurance Brokers.In recognition of outstanding contributions to service delivery and institutional development, Awards of Excellence were presented to deserving NSCDC personnel and stakeholders.

A major highlight was the presentation of cheques totalling ₦87,455,217 to beneficiaries under the Group Life Insurance Scheme, further underscoring the importance of insurance protection and institutional support for personnel and their families.The initiative reinforces the NSCDC leadership’s commitment to strengthening personnel welfare, promoting social security and ensuring that officers and men who risk their lives in the service of the nation receive appropriate protection and support.