Securing Nigeria’s Future: The Urgent Need for NSCDC’s Constitutional Inclusion

By Samuel Olubanjo Opebiyi

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), a vital paramilitary force with over 70,000 personnel, has consistently proven its indispensable role in national security since its inception during the 1967 Civil War. From protecting critical national infrastructure and regulating private security companies to deploying Agro-Rangers and operating the Safe Schools Initiative, the NSCDC is at the forefront of addressing Nigeria’s diverse security challenges. Despite this extensive mandate and demonstrable impact, the Corps currently operates without constitutional recognition, a vulnerability that undermines its legitimacy and operational efficacy. Including the NSCDC in the 1999 Constitution is not merely a legal formality; it is an urgent strategic imperative for Nigeria’s peace, security, and development.

Unlike the Nigeria Police Force (Section 214) and the Armed Forces (Section 217), the NSCDC’s existence is currently rooted solely in the NSCDC Act of 2003 (amended in 2007). This statutory foundation leaves the Corps susceptible to political whims, as its existence and powers could be altered or even repealed by a simple legislative majority. Constitutional recognition would provide the NSCDC with legal permanence, safeguarding it from political instability and ensuring continuity of its critical functions regardless of changes in government.

The lack of constitutional status also frequently leads to jurisdictional disputes during joint security operations.

Constitutionally entrenched agencies often assert precedence, leading to operational friction. Granting the NSCDC constitutional backing would elevate its standing, fostering seamless synergy and enhancing its authority in crucial areas such as counter-terrorism, anti-vandalism, disaster response, and intelligence sharing. Indeed, the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, recently reiterated this appeal at public hearings for the constitutional review, emphasizing that such recognition would resolve ongoing calls for the NSCDC’s merger with other agencies and improve its overall effectiveness. He highlighted that the misinterpretation of Section 214, which states there should be a single police force, has often led to an “unhealthy relationship” and “harassment” of NSCDC personnel by the police, underscoring the urgent need for clarity through constitutional entrenchment.

The NSCDC’s roles are broad and critical, extending far beyond traditional policing. These include:

1.Protecting vital national assets like oil pipelines, power installations, and transportation infrastructure.

2.Regulating over 1,500 private security companies, a crucial aspect of overall security governance.

3.Securing farmlands through its dedicated Agro-Rangers, a timely intervention amidst food security concerns.

4.Implementing the Safe Schools Initiative, protecting over 50,000 educational institutions.

5.Enforcing mining laws via the Mines Marshal to curb illegal mining.

6.Providing essential disaster response and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNe) readiness.

7.Operating specialized Female Strike Force units for gender-sensitive security tasks.

8.Engaging in community conflict resolution and peacebuilding, which is vital for grassroots stability.

These comprehensive functions are integral to addressing both conventional and emerging security threats facing Nigeria. As Dr. Audi noted, additional responsibilities have been assigned to the Corps through national security policies, including the 2019 National Security Strategy and the 2024 National Protection Policy for Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, further cementing its expanded mandate.

Constitutional inclusion would also significantly boost the NSCDC’s public legitimacy and morale. Citizens are more likely to trust and cooperate with agencies formally recognized by the nation’s supreme law. This, in turn, can inspire more young Nigerians to pursue careers within the Corps, facilitating merit-based recruitment and attracting better-trained personnel.

Furthermore, the NSCDC’s contributions to national economic well-being are substantial. By preventing infrastructure vandalism and illegal mining, the Corps saves Nigeria billions of naira annually. It also generates revenue through the licensing and regulation of private guard companies. Constitutional backing would strengthen its regulatory powers and enable more efficient resource allocation to fulfill these economic security functions.

Globally, many democratic nations provide constitutional or elevated legal status to their civil defense or similar auxiliary security institutions. As a full member of the International Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO), headquartered in Geneva, Nigeria’s NSCDC should align with this global best practice. This alignment would not only enhance Nigeria’s international credibility but also attract crucial technical and financial support from international partners.

Finally, constitutional recognition would protect the NSCDC from arbitrary budget cuts, ensuring predictable funding necessary for long-term planning, investment in specialized units like Agro-Rangers and Mine Marshals, and the modernization of its operations through training, technology acquisition, and infrastructure development.

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Integrating the NSCDC into the Constitution would formally complete Nigeria’s security architecture, recognizing an agency uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between civil protection and military force. This institutional legitimacy is crucial for the NSCDC to be fully integrated into the National Security Council and other strategic policy frameworks, ensuring a more cohesive and effective approach to national security.

We appeal to the National Assembly, state governments, civil society organizations, and all patriotic Nigerians to support the constitutional inclusion of the NSCDC. In the face of increasing insecurity, economic sabotage, and humanitarian crises, Nigeria cannot afford to leave one of its most versatile and impactful security agencies without the supreme legal backing it deserves. The NSCDC is not merely a statutory entity; it is a national necessity. Constitutional inclusion will secure its future, empower its vital mandate, and fortify Nigeria’s path to enduring peace, security, and development. The time to act is now.