In continuation of its efforts at eliminating civil unrest in the country, the Ministry of Interior has assured of its readiness to partner with the Technical Working Group (TWG) for the Draft National Policy On The Protection Of Civilians And Civil Harm Mitigation (POC-CHM).
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Shuaib Belgore gave this assurance while representing the Minister, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola during a courtesy call and formal presentation of the Draft National Policy of the Technical Working Group.
Dr Belgore said that the Ministry, which is basically charged with providing internal security and ensuring citizen integrity is willing to partner with reliable organization. Therefore, the draft policy is coming at the right time as it will no doubt, help in engaging our youths in meaningful and profitable activities.
Speaking, further, Permanent Secretary said that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is doing so much in terms of social welfare and support to the population, however the necessary awareness is not being created concerning these activities.
“There are so many programmes that are geared towards creating jobs, assistance in social relief, boosting small and medium scale entrepreneurship, are varied Government efforts in ensuring youth employment and wealth creation,” he said.
In his presentation, a board member of the Technical Working Group, Mr Adesina Oke said that the organisation is not oblivious of the fact that government as a whole is making spirited efforts, but as responsible civil society organisation, they also felt that it is important to contribute to these efforts of government, by partnering and supporting government in all ways possible, noting that some of the programmes will be funded by their organisation.
Furthermore, the Director Joint Services, Mr Peter Egbodo, revealed that the organisation will produce a roadmap for rules and operational engagement for the Ministry and Security Services in armed conflicts in line with global best practices rooted in the numerous UN Treaties, Conventions and protocols to which Nigeria is a signatory.
Therefore with the passage and assent of the policy, Nigeria stands as the first country to domesticate and operationalize the all important policy that seeks to protect Civilians.
