Bill Seeking To Scrap NSCDC Passes First Reading In House Of Reps

A bill seeking to scrap the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has passed the first reading in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

The bill, sponsored by Hon Shina Peller (APC-Oyo State), was read on the floor of the lower legislative chamber during the plenary.

If passed by the National Assembly, the bill will repeal the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (Amendment) Act 2007.

Naija News reports that the bill seeks to develop regulations and implement procedures for the transfer of assets and personnel of the Corps to the Nigeria Police Force.

Also, the bill will ensure the establishment of a transition management committee to oversee the security agency before its collapse into the Police.

Speaking on the floor of the House on Tuesday, Peller said he sponsored the bill in order to address the fragmentation of security resources across multiple competing agencies in the country.

While noting that the multiplicity of security agencies is counterproductive and a waste of scarce resources, Peller urged the Green Chamber to ensure the successful passage of the proposed legislation.

Peller noted that the functions of the NSCDC have become a duplication of the police and has led to avoidable conflicts, adding that the duties of the NSCDC are being performed by the police.

He, however, assured Nigerians that no hob will be lost as a result of the scrapping of the agency, noting that assets and personnel f the agency will be absorbed into the police.