Nigeria: Civil Defence to Carry Arms This Year

Money has been made available in this year's budget for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to buy arms, a lawmaker has said.

Rep Austin Nwachuku (PDP, Imo State), a member of the House Committee on Interior, make this known yesterday in Abuja at the International Civil Defence Organisation Day (ICDO) by NSCDC.

The lawmaker said government is also looking for the possibility of providing the corps with helicopters to enhance their activities in providing security for Nigerians.

"Today I am proud to say that in the 2010 budget, money was appropriated for arms and you are going to have it," he said, drawing applause from the officers.

The Civil Defence has for long been pleading with the FG to provide it with arms considering the "hazardous nature" of their job. The request was however opposed by those who believe Nigerian security agencies misuse guns.

Speaking shortly after the programme, CG of Civil Defence Dr Ade Abolurin said his agency is not taking over responsibilities of the police force, as "no country will do without police force on ground."

He said Nigeria became a full-pledged member of the ICDO in 2003, and was registered as the 66th member nation a year later. He said the theme of this year's Civil Defence day is "Disaster Medicine," aimed at tackling disaster worldwide.

Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the ICDO Mr. Nawaf Al-Sleibi said the organization has been very active in responding to disaster.