Civil Defence Day 2026: Commandant Urges Professionalism, Environmental Safety

The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Enugu State Command, Dr Elijah Willie, has charged officers and men of the Corps to uphold professionalism, environmental safety and renewed commitment to duty.

Dr Willie gave the charge on Monday during the Enugu State Command’s commemoration of the 2026 World Civil Defence Day, themed: “Managing Environmental Risks for a Resilient and Sustainable Future.”

He urged personnel to pursue the Corps’ mandate with renewed vigour, particularly in protecting lives, critical national assets and the environment.

“As members of the NSCDC, we must remain steadfast in our mandate to protect Nigerians, secure critical national assets, mitigate risks and respond effectively to emergencies,” he said.

The Commandant noted that environmental risk management has become central to civil protection efforts, stressing the need for enhanced early warning systems, inter-agency collaboration and resilient communities capable of withstanding crises.

Dr Willie also commended President Bola Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for reappointing the Commandant-General of NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Audi, for a second five-year term.
He described the reappointment as well-deserved, citing improvements in operational capacity and professionalism under the current leadership.

According to him, the Corps has expanded its scope of responsibilities in recent years, including the Safe Schools Initiative, Agro-Rangers operations, Mining Marshal activities and VIP protection duties.

Dr Willie expressed optimism that the renewed mandate would further strengthen the Corps’ capacity to enhance national security, noting that the NSCDC remains one of the security agencies closest to grassroots communities.

In his remarks, Mr Nnachi Ude of the Civil Defence Community Partnership Network commended the Commandant for expanding area commands, divisional offices and operational structures within the state.

Also speaking, the Chairperson of the Civil Defence Officers’ Wives Association (CDOWA), Enugu State Chapter, Dr Josephine Willie, appreciated NSCDC personnel for their dedication to disaster prevention and protection of critical national assets. She called on Nigerians to build resilient communities and promote a culture of safety.

Dr Willie, represented by the CDOWA State Coordinator, Mrs Loveth Chime, praised officers and men for their prompt response to emergencies and efforts in curbing vandalism and criminal activities.

The International Civil Defence Organization (ICDO) designates March 1 annually as World Civil Defence Day to promote awareness and action on civil protection and public safety worldwide.