To boost security in marine hydrocarbon operations and strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC), in partnership with Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and Zuma Energy Power Limited, has unveiled a Command and Control and a VIP Centre for premium security services.

The twin unveiling is part of a strategic Public Private Partnership (PPP), that leverages private sector influence in support of government security efforts especially in the clamping down of crude oil thieves.

Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Audi, revealed that the command and control centre would be linked to the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), for credible intelligence and data sharing to boost operations of the Corps while the VIP (Very Important Person), centre will provide security services that can be assess by individuals and groups to protect specific infrastructure and communities.

Speaking at an event to mark this year’s International Civil Defence Day yesterday in Abuja, Audi noted that data is critical to effective and well-coordinated security operations, especially in asymmetric war, which he said Nigeria is currently facing.

“This command and control centre (also called the Nuhu Ribadu Centre), is going to be linked to the office of the NSA. It is a sophisticated collaboration with other stakeholders like Tantita as regards the oil theft in the Niger Delta,” the CG said.

He explained further,  “This centre provides the enabling environment for us to share credible information amongst agencies. Data is very central to the growth and development of any nation so this centre is going a long way to help the Corps have a level of improvement on it’s operations, for example, in hydrocarbon and maritime security.
According to Audi , the VIP centre, named Remi Tinubu Centre, will avail specialized security services for targeted and specific needs.

Executive Director, Operations and Technical of Tantita, Captain Warredi Enisuoh, observed that the partnership would not only boost security in the oil and gas sector but also across Nigeria.

Enisuoh, who spoke on behalf of the Chairman of the company as well as the Managing Director, High Chief Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo and High Chief Kestin Ebimorbowei, respectively, said security remains critical for Nigeria to effectively harness its economic potentials.

According to him, “This partnership is inevitable and is a partnership born out of conceived progress and the President’s vision to straighten the country up and harness its full economic potential.

“The centre is built to give the civil defence a very long sight, giving it further eyes in the skies, on land and real-time defence management. This is not even enough, but the beginning of many to come.”
Also speaking, Executive Chairman of Zuma Energy Power Limited, Innocent Ezuma, said that the VIP centre it partnered with the NSCDC to build is expected to cater for special security demands.

He noted the critical role of the private sector in boosting national security, pointing out that the centre offers an enhanced platform for security.

“This advancement will significantly enhance the operation and effectiveness of our security agencies in direct alignment with his excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of safeguarding the lives and property of every Nigerian,” he said.
Other projects that were launched at the event include the Olubunmi House, which is the newly built NSCDC Bauchi State Command Complex and the NSCDC Fire Station at the Corps’ headquarters in Abuja.