The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC has reaffirmed its commitment to institutional reform, accountability and global best practices with the validation of its revised Gender Policy II.
The policy was developed through a comprehensive stakeholder review, consultation process and strategic dialogue involving the Ministry of Interior, NSCDC leadership and personnel, technical consultants and development partners.
Speaking at the validation workshop, the Chair of the Policy Development Committee, Deputy Commandant General, Christiana Abiakam, represented by Assistant Commandant General Dahbo Francis Usman, said “the review aligns with the transformative agenda of the Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi which prioritises gender-responsive leadership and welfare-driven reforms across the Corps.”
Abiakam stated that “the revised policy, scheduled for launch in 2026, will strengthen internal mechanisms for equitable representation, expand access to opportunities for all genders, and safeguard the rights and dignity of NSCDC personnel.”
The one-day validation workshop, supported by the UK Commonwealth and Development Office through the SPRiNG Programme, underscored the NSCDC’s resolve to build a professional, gender-responsive, safe and inclusive security institution.
The Team Leader of the SPRiNG Programme, Dr. Ukoha Ukiwo, reaffirmed the programme’s commitment to supporting government institutions “to mainstream gender and inclusion across the peace, justice and security sectors, in alignment with the Women, Peace and Security framework and Nigeria’s 3rd NAP on WPS,” he said.
Through structured dialogue sessions and technical reviews, stakeholders examined lessons from the 2021 Gender Policy, identified emerging security, gender and inclusion gaps, and jointly developed strategic responses aimed at strengthening accountability, inclusivity and operational effectiveness within the Corps.
Highlighting progress recorded under the first policy, the Head of the Gender Unit, Assistant Commandant of Corps Kemi Ajet Alao, stated that “its implementation contributed to the prevention of SGBV, the promotion of safer workplaces, and increased participation of women in leadership and decision-making within the Corps.”
The validation process ensured continuity by safeguarding and institutionalising gains achieved under the 2021 policy, while introducing enhanced measures to address evolving security and inclusion challenges.
The revised policy also strengthens disability inclusion and aligns NSCDC’s institutional and operational frameworks with Nigeria’s recently launched Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.
The formally validated Gender Policy II integrates strategic responses to emerging security threats, including technology-facilitated insecurity and sexual and gender-based violence.
Participants at the workshop reviewed and adopted key provisions covering human-rights-based responses to sexual and gender-based violence, survivor support systems, communication and advocacy strategies, gender-responsive budgeting, enforcement measures, and strengthened monitoring and accountability frameworks.
Stakeholders also unanimously endorsed safeguarding provisions aimed at addressing workplace harassment and reinforcing institutional accountability.
The event featured goodwill messages from the Ministry of Interior and the Federal Fire Service, as well as technical presentations from consultants and partners, including Techsocietal, Tech Her and Partners West Africa.
PIAK