The British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Hill Obe, has called on Nigerian security agencies to implement the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Gender Policy II for 2026–2030.
Obe made the appeal during the inauguration of the policy on Tuesday in Abuja, emphasising that policy implementation is where real transformation occurs.
She noted that policies are meaningful only when they move from people to practice and are 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.
“So, may the launch of gender policy II inspire even greater ambition, stronger collaboration, and a future where every officer whether woman, man or disabled, can serve, lead, and excel without barrier or bias.
“This is a very inclusive policy that addresses technology-facilitated gender-based violence, embeds gender-responsive budgeting/monitoring and accountability systems,” he said.
Obe described the inauguration as a clear statement of intent, an affirmation of the leadership in the women, peace and security space and a confident step towards a more resilient Nigeria.
She further noted the strong partnership between the UK and Nigeria, grounded in shared democratic principles and Commonwealth values.
She also praised the NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, for establishing a gender desk to increase women’s representation in the corps.
“At the heart of today’s celebration is women, peace and security, a global framework built on the simple truth that peace is more durable if women are participating fully and equally in shaping decisions,” Obe said.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the second policy was launched after addressing gaps identified in the first policy.
“Having worked on the gaps in the first one, we are here to launch the second policy and it is officially launched,” he said.
Represented by the NSCDC CG, he added that support and partnership from agencies in implementing the policy were encouraging.
“We feel very encouraged to partner with you and we will continue to do our best to make our service gender inclusive. As for the security reforms in Nigeria, we know that the inclusion of women is very important.
“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,” he said.
The Team Leader of Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria, Dr Ukoha Ukiwo, welcomed the partnership with NSCDC and expressed hope that the new policy would strengthen the corps’ role in preventing, reporting, and prosecuting violations of women’s rights and gender-based violence.
“We hope that through this policy, NSCDC will ensure that its objectives are achieved. The adoption of this gender policy goes with Nigeria’s third action plan on women’s peace and security.
“We are happy to work with the corps on this initiative as what we aim to achieve is to aid in their capacity and help them deliver their services.
“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.
A Women, Peace and Security Expert, Dr Eleanor Nwandinobi, urged security agencies to take ownership of the policy and lead efforts to support persons living with disabilities.
She said ensuring women’s involvement in national affairs is “a responsibility of collective efforts.”
The NSCDC Gender Policy II builds on the corps’ first gender policy, which was introduced to enhance women’s participation in security operations and promote gender equality within the organisation.
The policy also aligns with Nigeria’s broader commitments to the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, a global framework that emphasises the inclusion of women in conflict prevention, resolution, and peacebuilding processes.