The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has partnered with the UK-funded Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) programme for its Gender Policy II (2026–2030), aimed at promoting gender-responsive security sector reform and inclusive governance.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja, Team Leader of the SPRiNG Programme, Dr. Ukoha Okiwo, commended the Corps for the milestone.
He noted that SPRiNG prioritises collaboration with government institutions, security agencies and community actors to enhance “inclusive, participatory, transparent, accountable and effective ways” of service delivery.
Dr. Okiwo stressed that strengthening public confidence in institutions helps to reduce reliance on self-help, “which, as we know, results in violence.”
Highlighting the significance of the policy, Dr. Okiwo said Gender Policy II would support NSCDC’s role in “prevention, in reporting, in protection, as well as in prosecution of those who undermine rights.”
He stated that “one key area of our work is in promoting the participation of women, of young persons, of persons with disability as well as minorities in all spheres of life, in peace building and in governance.”
Representing UN Women, Mr. Peter Mancha described NSCDC as being “among the very few security institutions in Nigeria that is adopting the second gender policy.”
He reminded participants that “having a gender policy is a means to an end… the end we want to see is the full implementation of this policy.”
Amendment
Mancha also disclosed that a bill to amend key security sector laws to be more gender responsive has passed first and second readings at the National Assembly, urging stakeholders “to push and support that this amendment should scale through.”
Speaking, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Gill Lever, said the launch of Gender Policy II is “a clear statement of intent, an affirmation of leadership in the women, peace and security space, and a confident step towards a more resilient Nigeria.”
She congratulated the Commandant General of the Corps Abubakar Audi for “commitment to strengthening gender responsiveness across
your Corps,” which she said “has been clear, it’s been steady, it’s garnered respect.”
Lever highlighted tangible progress recorded by the Corps, including “establishing gender desks, increasing women’s representation at senior levels and improving prevention and response to sexual and gender-based violence,” stressing that these achievements show “your institution is determined to evolve in the service of every Nigerian.”
According to her, the revised policy “was thorough, it was evidence-based and it reflects the cause determination to learn from experience and respond to emerging realities.”
She cautioned, however, that “a policy is meaningful only when it moves from paper to practice,” urging that it be reflected in “daily decisions, leadership appointments, training, deployment and wider organisational culture.”
Reaffirming the UK’s commitment, she said, “the United Kingdom will continue to walk alongside you. We are proud of what you’ve achieved and will remain committed to supporting the next phase of this journey.”
Inclusivity
Representing the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Iman Sulieman-Ibrahim, Mrs. Ola Erinfolami lauded the launch of the NSCDC Gender Policy 2026–2030 as a demonstration of NSCDC’s “commitment to addressing security challenges in a more inclusive and effective manner.”
The Minister commended the policy’s focus on “preventing sexual and gender-based violence, promoting women’s participation in decision-making, and ensuring a safe and supportive work environment,” noting that it aligns with “national and global efforts to advance women’s rights and empowerment.”
Emphasising its importance, she said, “as women continue to face new challenges in the security sector, this policy is a crucial step towards creating a more inclusive and effective environment,” expressing confidence that “NSCDC will effectively implement and sustain this policy, contributing to a more secure and prosperous Nigeria.”
The event was attended by Government officials, Diplomats, representatives of security agencies and Civil Society Organisations.