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Tag: NCSCN

  • NCSCN lauds interior minister over transparent recruitment into paramilitary agencies

    NCSCN lauds interior minister over transparent recruitment into paramilitary agencies

    The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria has commended the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for what it described as a transparent, innovative, and largely seamless 2025 recruitment exercise conducted across Nigeria’s paramilitary agencies.

    The commendation was contained in a communiqué jointly signed by Mazi Oscar David Kalu and Alhaji Gambo Suleiman Jagindi after the fourth quarter end of the year meeting of the council.

    The Civil Society body praised the Federal Ministry of Interior and its agencies, the Civil Defence, Correctional Service, Fire and Immigration Services, and others for deploying a centralised, technology-driven recruitment process that resulted in a relatively seamless and credible outcome.

    According to NCSCN, the use of a unified online portal, public release of shortlisted candidates, and repeated warnings against recruitment fraud significantly reduced manipulation and restored public confidence in government hiring processes.

    “The 2025 recruitment exercise reflects the Minister’s commitment to accountability and institutional reform. Despite the magnitude of work and inevitable technical challenges, the Minister’s prompt interventions ensured fairness, transparency, and protection of applicants’ data,” the communiqué read in part. 

    The Council noted that the 2025 recruitment exercise attracted nationwide interest and large application volumes, placing significant demands on the portal and the boards administering the exercise. 

    The Council further noted that the minister’s hands-on leadership, including swift directives to resolve portal glitches and ensure full data upload, demonstrated political will to safeguard the integrity of the exercise.

    NCSCN, in the communiqué, urged the Ministry to consolidate on the gains recorded by institutionalising the digital recruitment framework, conducting an after-action review, and strengthening public awareness, via enhanced media and civil society engagements, to curb the activities of fraudsters targeting job seekers.

    The Council reaffirmed its support for reforms within the interior sector, stressing that transparent recruitment remains critical to building professional, accountable, and people-oriented security architecture.

  • NCSCN hails nomination of ex-NIA DG Oke as ambassador

    NCSCN hails nomination of ex-NIA DG Oke as ambassador

    The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has lauded the nomination of former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Ayodele Oke, for the position of ambassador.

    The organisation also commended President Bola Tinubu for considering Oke for the role.

    It said that Oke is a seasoned and well-experienced administrator with proven integrity and competence.

    The ex-NIA DG was among the first three non-career ambassadors nominated by President Tinubu last week, pending confirmation by the Senate.

    Addressing a press conference on Monday in Abuja, Executive Director of NCSCN, Blessing Akinlosotu, said the nomination of Oke for the position should be viewed as a positive development considering his pedigree and track record.

    Mr Blessing stated, “For us in the Civil Society Council, we totally align our thoughts with a public analyst who stated that President Tinubu’s decision to nominate Oke as ambassador carries weight beyond rehabilitation, but further serves as a signal that professional competence, once vindicated, deserves restoration.

    “Inasmuch as we do not subscribe to the use of private residence belongings for the wife to lodge an official fund meant for covert operations, however, the noble intention and pragmatism associated with that smart initiative of Amb. Oke must not be watered down or dismissed casually.

    “The nomination of Amb. Ayodele Oke for an Ambassadorial role should be viewed as a positive development considering his pedigree and track record.

    “He is a seasoned and well-experienced administrator with proven integrity and competence.

    “We call on all security agencies, media houses and civil society organisations to, at all times, conduct proper investigations before going public on sensitive national issues such as this.”

  • NCSCN confers Humanitarian Service Award on Ogbara

    NCSCN confers Humanitarian Service Award on Ogbara

    The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has conferred the prestigious ‘Icon of Humanitarian Service’ Award on Hon. Dr. Judith Ogbara in recognition of her outstanding contributions to social development and empowerment in the education sector.

    Hon. Ogbara is the chairman of the Advisory Board for the Gender Education, Engagement, Empowerment, and Entrepreneurship Programme (GEEEEP) of the Federal Government.

    The award ceremony took place during the maiden Civil Society Summit on Democracy and National Development held at the Rotunda Conference Hall, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.

    According to a statement, the event was graced by several dignitaries, including the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who was represented by Senate Spokesman, Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu; former Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Sunday Dare, who is now the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications; a renowned human rights activist, Senator Shehu Sani, and a legal practitioner and political commentator, Barr. Kenneth Okonkwo, among others.

    While presenting the award, the Executive Director of the NCSCN, Amb. Blessing Akinlosotu, lauded Ogbara for her selfless service and unwavering commitment to the betterment of human lives, especially in the area of female education. They applauded her consistent efforts through the AAE Foundation and encouraged her to continue her remarkable humanitarian works.

    According to the statement: “Dr. Ogbara, founder of the AAE Foundation, has been a beacon of hope for many young girls in Akwa Ibom State. 

    “Over the past seven years, her foundation has sponsored over 500 female students by providing them with WAEC and JAMB forms free of charge to support their academic journey. 

    “In a bold and inspiring move, she has increased the number to 1,000 students this year, reaffirming her dedication to empowering the girl-child through education.

    “Her latest recognition by the NCSCN serves as both a commendation and a call to action, highlighting the critical role of individual and institutional efforts in national development.”

  • NCSCN speaks on DSS alleged invasion of SERAP office

    NCSCN speaks on DSS alleged invasion of SERAP office

    The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has dismissed reports of an alleged invasion, occupation and threats of arrest on Directors of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja.

    “We are shocked at the sensationalism and misrepresentation of the incident, which could incite public contempt and defame the DSS Management,” said Blessing Akinlosotu, Executive Director of NCSCN. 

    “Our findings show no evidence of invasion, intimidation, or occupation, and no proof of threat of arrest,” the group stated. 

    NCSCN rather argued a civil interaction and friendly conversation between DSS officers and SERAP staff. 

    “We see nothing wrong in a familiarisation visit, even in invitations to any individual or organisation by any security agency in Nigeria, provided such visit or invitations are executed in a most civil manner and in full compliance with the Nigerian Constitution and Service Rules of Engagement,” Akinlosotu added.

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    The NCSCN called on SERAP to provide substantiated evidence and convincing proof of their allegations and on the DSS to release video and audio recordings of the engagement, as is global best practice.

     “Civil Society and Human Rights Organizations must never reduce themselves to peddlers of fake news, instruments of institutional blackmails or agents of lawlessness,” Akinlosotu emphasised.

    The Council congratulated the new DSS leadership and looked forward to a harmonious working relationship. “We hope for formal official visit soon where we can discuss areas of strategic collaboration,” Akinlosotu said.

    “The NCSCN remains committed to standing for the truth, condemning bad governance and commending satisfactory performances. Let us use this opportunity to promote peace and unity, rather than incite unrest and violent emotions,” Akinlosotu stated.