British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Hill Obe, has called on security agencies in Nigeria to implement the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Gender Policy II.

Ms Obe made the call during the inauguration of the NSCDC Gender Policy II (2026-2030) on Tuesday in Abuja.

She explained that a policy is meaningful only when it moves from people to practice and is reflected in daily decisions, leadership appointments, training, deployment and wider organisational culture.

“So I encourage every officer, male or female, represented here to keep pushing forward as strong leadership, adequate resourcing, continuous learning and collective accountability will be essential to this policy to reach its full potential.

“This is a very inclusive policy that addresses technology-facilitated gender-based violence, embeds gender-responsive budgeting/monitoring and accountability systems,” she said.

Ms Obe said the inauguration of the policy was 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.

The envoy added that the UK was glad to be in partnership with Nigeria, hence the rooted relationship in commonwealth values, shared democratic principles and deep people-to-people links.

She applauded NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Audi for establishing a gender desk to increase women’s representation in the corps.

Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said the second policy came into play after the gaps in the first policy were worked on.

The minister, represented by NSCDC CG, said the support and partnership from agencies in the actualisation of the new policy were encouraging.

“As for the security reforms in Nigeria, we know that the inclusion of women is very important,” said Mr Tunji-Ojo. “Most victims of asymmetric conflicts are women and children, so establishing the gender desk is very central and germane to the operations of the corps.”

Ukoha Ukiwo, the team leader of Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG), appreciated the NSCDC for the partnership opportunity in commissioning the policy.

Ukiwo expressed the hope that the new policy would help the NSCDC play a key role in the prevention, reporting, and prosecution of those who violate the rights of women and engage in sexual and gender-based violence.

“We hope that through this policy, NSCDC will ensure that its objectives are achieved.

“We believe that if this is done, members of the public will have enhanced confidence in what security agencies do and partner with them and reduce self-help, which results in violence,” he said.

Eleanor Nwandinobi, a security expert, said the responsibility for ensuring women’s involvement in national affairs lay in collective efforts.

Ms Nwandinobi charged security agencies to make the policy a reality by taking ownership and being at the forefront for persons living with disabilities.

(NAN)