The Federal Government has raised the bar of security and safety more than ever before in the country.

This is according to President Muhammadu Buhari, while declaring open the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC Security Summit at the corps headquarters.

He declared the three day conference which had State Commandants and Public Relations Officers of all formations of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC opened through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina in Abuja.

The conference is to brainstorm on managing security sensitive information and developing effective strategies for a successful 2023 election.

The conference was aimed at increasing performance of the Corps at state levels through exposure of respective stakeholders and gatekeepers to new ways of communicating with the media on sensitive conflict issues.

He commended security agencies in the country for the fight against insecurity, resilience and unwavering commitment to the nation’s socio economic development which is only possible in an atmosphere of peace and security.

Buhari charged on the need for efficient relationship between heads of security formations and their spokespersons.

The President said the best way to manage strategic communication within and among security agencies is by ensuring that information managers have access to their bosses at all times.

He charged heads of security agencies to have confidence in the person managing the public relations affairs of the agencies.

“Remembering Public Relations Officers only when in trouble is not the right way to go,” he advised.

The President advised that it is imperative for communication doors between security agencies, the public and the media to be kept open at all times.

“Don’t try to cover infractions when you make mistakes, there is a need to accept wrongs, quickly accept it”.

“Apologise to the public when you go wrong, this will help get them on your side and regain their confidence,” he said.

The NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Audi said the conference will address critical issues that will allay fears, probe challenges and entrench the ability to create an ambience of peace and security as 2023 elections draw nearer.
“Sensitivity is part of security architecture, this conference will further deepen knowledge in the handling of sensitive security information.

“The public has the right to know, however, their knowing has to be strategic as well for improved operational efficiency going forward,” he said.

Dr Audi explained that security agencies also rely on credible information by citizens which help to prevent crimes and manage conflicts.

According to him, “Every member of the society has a level of responsibility in ensuring security.

“Some need to volunteer information, some to provide counseling and some to engage in the theatre of the war itself.”

He emphasized that Strategic Communication channels must be improved upon and sustained to allow the public have confidence in security operatives.

“It is by so doing that the public will have more trust and confidence in working together with us,” he said.

The CG enjoined all Nigerians to work closely with security agencies while discarding all insensitive utterances and actions aimed at discrediting the efforts of the Federal Government in ensuring security and safety.

He urged Politicians not to politicize the security situation in the country as the Federal and State Governments step up strategies in the fight against terrorism and other crimes in the country.

At the event, National President of Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Mukhtar Sirajo, said the training came at a critical time of security challenges that needs to be confronted by everyone.

Sirajo explained that strategic communication is at the center of what Public Relations represents, adding that communication is a peculiar field that can only be managed by trained persons.

He emphasised the need for Public Relations Officers to practice legally by getting inducted as members of NIPR which is saddled with training of members alongside providing professional structure for practice of PR.

Director of Public Relations, NSCDC, DCC Olusola Odumosu, while welcoming stakeholders, guests and participants from all over the country to the conference, emphasized that all hands must be on deck to move the country forward.

He implore critical stakeholders, professional colleagues and in the spirit of nation building to open your eyes and minds so we can cross fertilize ideas on moving the country forward.

“Learn also, how to effectively communicate with the public in a manner that brings credibility and maintain the goodwill we enjoy in the eyes of the public,” he said.

A communique is expected to be developed at the end of the Conference which would be forwarded to the Management of the Corps for consideration and possible inclusion in the NSCDC Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

The Conference also had in attendance spokespersons of the Department of State Services (DSS), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Nigeria Correctional Service, Federal Fire Service, Nigeria Customs Service, amongst other media veterans.