The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, made this known at the commissioning of the reconstructed Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps parade ground, staff quarters and office complex of retired civil defence officers in Abuja.
Aregbesola, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Shuaib Belgore, said the reconstructed parade ground would help boost the training, and productivity of the Corps to effectively tackle the emerging security threat in the country.
Belgore noted “Molding of the parade ground will further boost the training, manpower and development needs taken into consideration the need to effectively tackle the complexities, sophistication and dimension of emerging security threats in the country for a safe and secure Nigeria.
“I will also enjoin that the CG makes these facilities available for training needs for sister and other security agencies that may require that. Let me also urge the Corps to ensure effective and judicious use of the facility to serve the purpose it is intended.”
The Perm. Sec. added that addressing staff housing needs will enhance better performance.
He stated, “It is also worthy to note that welfare packages and incentives have a way of impacting positively on the performance of staff. I would therefore have no doubt in my mind that the newly constructed staff quarters will go a long way in addressing the staff housing needs and further motivate them for better performance. It is not new to say that investment and staff welfare are stimulants for improved performance.
“These noble projects demonstrate the government’s commitment and promise to continue to encourage the Corps with logistics and materials support to attain a great standard in the country’s security architecture.
“I, therefore, appeal to the staff of the Corps to continue to build the profile of the Corps and to continue to work towards safeguarding all Nigerian citizens and making the country a better and safer place to live in.”
In his welcome address, the Commandant General, NSCDC, Ahmed Audi said, “Part of what we do in the Corps in terms of training is regimentation. We combine regimentation training with capacity building training but regimentation training where we have physical training is what actually instils discipline into the personnel. So, we needed to work on the parade ground to give the Corps a benefitting standard that will be equal to what happens worldwide.
“The staff quarters are in line with our staff welfare programme aimed at ensuring the provision of shelter towards addressing the housing needs of our personnel and further boosting the performance of the personnel in order to enhance productivity and better performance.”
