By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has once again reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) across the country, as the Corps Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, PhD, mni, OFR, was honoured with the Award of Excellence at the 2025 National Security Conference and Awards organized by the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP).
The high-profile event, which took place on Tuesday, 21st October 2025, at the Ballroom Hall of the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, brought together senior government officials, security chiefs, and industry stakeholders under the theme, “Securing and Safeguarding Nigeria’s Economic Resources: A Call to Serve.”
In an official statement signed by SC Oluwaseun Abolurin, the Civil Defence Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, it was disclosed that the Commandant General was ably represented at the conference by the Lagos State Commandant, Mr. Keshinro Adedotun.
Speaking during the panel session, Mr. Adedotun, on behalf of the Commandant General, emphasized that the NAOSNP National Security Conference has remained a crucial platform for shaping national security discourse, particularly in repositioning the country’s security architecture to address emerging challenges and sustain the successes already achieved by security agencies.
He noted that discussions around the protection of critical infrastructure were vital at this time, given the increasing threats posed by vandalism, sabotage, and other forms of economic sabotage targeting the nation’s essential resources. According to him, “The conference continues to play a leading role in deepening conversations that will help reshape our national security framework and resolve the conundrums confronting the sector, while consolidating on the gains made by security agencies in protecting lives, property, and national assets.”
The NSCDC Lagos State Commandant also used the occasion to appeal to Nigerians to partner with the Corps in the collective and selfless fight against vandalism of public infrastructure and other economic resources. He stressed that protecting these assets is not the sole responsibility of the government or security agencies but a patriotic duty for all citizens.
“We must work together to safeguard our collective wealth,” he said, adding that the Federal Government is already making concerted efforts to combat corruption, block leakages, and diversify the economy for greater national prosperity.
Highlighting the recognition of the Commandant General’s exceptional leadership, the statement confirmed that Professor Audi was presented with the NAOSNP 2025 Award of Excellence in recognition of his inclusive, people-oriented approach to the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, his conflict resolution strategies, and his consistent efforts in suppressing threats to Nigeria’s economic stability.
The award, which celebrates innovation, integrity, and patriotism in national security management, was presented to the Corps helmsman for steering the NSCDC toward excellence in its core mandate of safeguarding Nigeria’s critical infrastructure and supporting national development.
With this honour, Professor Audi joins a distinguished list of security sector leaders who have been recognized by NAOSNP for their outstanding contributions to national safety and development, further reinforcing his reputation as a reform-driven leader committed to strengthening Nigeria’s internal security and asset protection framework.