The UK-funded Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) Programme has partnered with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to inaugurate the Corps’ Gender Policy 2 for 2026–2030.
The policy was unveiled on Tuesday in Abuja.
Speaking at the launch, SPRiNG Team Leader, Dr Ukoha Okiwo, said the programme was committed to strengthening government institutions, security agencies and community actors involved in peacebuilding and security.
According to him, SPRiNG’s partnership with government institutions is aimed at enhancing their capacity to deliver services in more inclusive, participatory, transparent, accountable and effective ways.
“We believe that if this is done, members of the public will have greater confidence in these institutions and partner with them to deliver on their mandates.
“Through this, individuals and groups will have less disposition to resort to self-help, which often results in violence,” Okiwo said.
He explained that a core focus of SPRiNG’s work was promoting the participation of women, youths, persons with disabilities and minorities in peacebuilding, governance and all spheres of national life.
Okiwo added that the programme was also keen to work with security services to ensure that civilian protection is prioritised, human rights are upheld and cordial relationships with communities are strengthened.
“We see this gender policy initiative as driving that agenda and aligning with the objectives of the SPRiNG Programme,” he said.
He noted that the adoption of the policy coincided with Nigeria’s Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, as well as ongoing plans to adopt a National Action Plan on Youth, Peace and Security.
Okiwo expressed hope that the policy would enable the NSCDC to effectively advance national commitments and improve prevention, reporting, protection and prosecution relating to rights violations, including sexual and gender-based violence.
Also speaking, Ms Gill Lever, Deputy High Commissioner of the British High Commission in Abuja, commended the NSCDC for its leadership and commitment to gender responsiveness.
Lever described the revised policy as evidence-based and inclusive, noting that it addressed issues such as technology-facilitated gender-based violence, disability inclusion, and gender-responsive budgeting and accountability.
She stressed that policies were only meaningful when effectively implemented.
“Strong leadership, adequate resources, continuous learning and collective accountability are essential for this policy to reach its full potential,” she said.
Lever reaffirmed the UK government’s commitment to the women and girls agenda, emphasising that inclusive policymaking leads to better outcomes in governance, security and economic growth.
“When women and girls are involved in policymaking, you get more accountability, less conflict, more peace and stronger social and economic outcomes,” she said.
She called for greater inclusion of women in Nigeria’s political and public life, noting that women make up nearly 50 per cent of the population, yet remain significantly underrepresented in elective and appointive positions.
“I hope that with gender policies and national action plans, women will find their voice, be given a platform and contribute meaningfully to better national outcomes,” she added.
In his remarks, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, represented by the Commandant-General of NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Audi, said the Corps pioneered the first gender policy within the security sector to promote inclusion.
He explained that gaps identified over time necessitated the review and development of a second gender policy, while commending SPRiNG for its support.
“Since the establishment of the NSCDC Gender Policy, we have witnessed more inclusive participation.
“Women have achieved greatly in the service, and this policy gives them a stronger opportunity to compete equally,” he said.
Similarly, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, represented by a Director in the ministry, Ms Ola Erinfolami, commended the focus of the policy on preventing sexual and gender-based violence, promoting women’s participation in decision-making and creating safe, supportive work environments.
“This policy is a crucial step towards building a more inclusive and effective security sector,” she said, urging stakeholders to support its full implementation.