Tunji-Ojo Assures Nigerians of Protection of Critical National Assets, Infrastructure, Economic Recovery

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has assured Nigerians of the security of the nation’s critical national assets and infrastructure (CNAI) and subsequent economic recovery.
Speaking at the passing out parade of the 3rd batch of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals in Abuja, the minister, represented by the Secretary, Civil Defence, Correctional Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), Ahmed Ja’afaru, said with the knowledge-driven skills imparted into the Mining Marshals, there is hope and a future for the nation because the protection of the CNAI is a sine qua non to the economy of any nation.
The minister who commended the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr Ahmed Audi, for his doggedness and relentless efforts by deploying highly trained and professional personnel to protect the nation’s critical national assets and infrastructure, said a lot would be achieved with the efforts in the training of personnel.
He noted that the Audi-led administration has paved the way for officers and men to go through the requisite training needed to enhance the security architecture of the country, calling on the newly trained operatives to leverage the laudable opportunity and discharge their duties effectively. without compromise.
In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, represented by the Director of Federal Mines and Steel; Engr Imam Ganiyu, said a close look at the achievements recorded by the NSCDC under the current leadership shows that the collaboration between the Ministry of Interior and the Federal Mines and Steel has brought about a significant change in the mining sector.
He further spoke on the need to intensify efforts to generate more revenue for the federal government and create more jobs for the teaming youths.
On his part, the NSCDC boss reiterated that the mining Marshals codenamed ‘Operation Hayakin logo’ was commissioned to provide safety and security for the mining industry and effect the arrests of economic saboteurs.
Audi disclosed that the mining industry would soon experience a positive turnaround as the Corps would not relent in waging war against illegal mining activities across the board.
He recalled that over 300 suspects and over 200 mining sites have been recovered from illegal miners and bandits.

While reaffirming his commitment to follow through with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Audi declared that there had been a high level of compliance with mining laws and regulations in Nigeria as illegal miners, industry espionage and economic saboteurs all are being stamped out.

He further solicited more collaboration in areas of training and retraining and for more sophisticated equipment for effective policing of the over 1000 detected illegal mining sites across the country.

The CG further charged them to be diligent, loyal, and remain focused on the job as there are internal mechanisms to monitor the activities of personnel.