CISLAC, Transparency International Seek Constitution Backing For NSCDC 

(AFRICAN EXAMINER) –  The  Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC) in collaboration with Transparency International  Defence and Security Programme(TI-DSP) have called for enshrinement of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) into the Nigeria’s Constitution.

The group said the action would enhance agency efficiency, effectiveness and transparency in the delivery of its mandates.

Our correspondent writes that the security agency has been operating under the Act establishing it, without a constitution backing.

CISLAC and TI made the call over the weekend during the House of Representatives South East Regional /Public Hearing On Constitutional Review held at the International Conference Center, Enugu.

The group in a position paper, signed by Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), the Executive Director, CISLAC/TI-Nigeria, they posited that the institutional strengthening across the Defence and Security sector through globally-aligned and strong legal provisions backed by effective implementation is a key factor for consideration and assessment by the Government Defence Integrity Index (GDI).

“Within the context of the GDI, CISLAC/TI-Nigeria understands that any well-meaning effort to achieving a strong and effective Defence/Security institution MUST be backed by appropriate legal provisions within the Constitution, to mitigate corruption risks, bridge identified gaps, enhance transparency and accountability across its political, procurement, personnel, financial, and operational activities’ the groups maintained.

The memo was presented by Amb. Peggy Chukwuemeka; Executive Director, Parent-Child Intervention Centre (PCIC), the South-East regional partner/representative of CISLAC in Nigeria.

Rafsanjani, stressed that they strongly maintain that constitutional recognition for the NSCDC will help to solidify its role in national security and clarify its functions, prevent potential overlapping conflicts with other security agencies and improve its effectiveness. 

He added that full constitutional backing for the NSCDC would clarify its mandate, ensure better resource allocation, Improve inter-agency cooperation, enhance civilian oversight which is critical for Improved transparency and accountability across the key components (operational, financial, political, procurement and personnel/gender) of the GDI.

According to him, “Dedicated constitutional provisions will clearly define NSCDC’s responsibilities, particularly concerning the protection of lives, property, and critical national assets.

“This would help prevent jurisdictional disputes with other security agencies, and ensure a more harmonious working relationship.

“We therefore, reiterate our position that constitutional recognition for the NSCDC hold significant benefits to enhance its capacity to contribute efficiently and effectively to Nigeria’s national security framework, while fostering a more secure arid stable environment for all citizens”.

Earlier, the Commandant of NSCDC in Enugu State, Dr. Elijah Etim Willie, had led his colleagues from Ebonyi and Anambra states to make their own submission to the  Constitution Review Committee.

He said  the constitutional backing for NSCDC is necessary because of the vital role they play in the nation’s security architecture, adding that other security agencies are looking down on them because they have not been given constitutional backing.

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