Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has restated its readiness to secure power installations and critical national assets and infrastructure from vandals.
Abia State Commandant of the corps, Mr Paul Igwebuike, made the promise when he visited the Chairman/CEO of a power solutions firm in Aba, the Geometric Group Ltd, Prof. Barth Nnaji, in his office at Osisioma, Aba.
He re-stated the zero tolerance stance of the Commandant General of NSCDC, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for all forms of vandalism of critical national assets and infrastructure in the country.
According to a statement by the head Corps Public Relations Unit Abia State Command, Ndukwe Egwu, and made available to Ikengaonline, the NSCDC State Commandant, described steady power supply as very pivotal for the development of any society, hence it has become necessary to safeguard power installations from vandals.
He commended the power generation firm for believing in the Corps’ capacity to protect lives and critical national assets and infrastructure to drive the nation’s economic growth and development.
Igwebuike said that for engaging personnel of NSCDC to safeguard its installations, Geometrics had faith in the corps.
He gave tips on how to most effectively secure power installations within the South-East using both kinetic and non kinetic approaches.
The State Commandant solicited the assistance of the Power Distribution Company to the Command by providing operational vans to enhance motorised patrols and other logistics.
He was later conducted round some of the company’s major facilities like the turbines, gas plants etc.
Responding, Professor Nnaji said he was glad to welcome the Abia NSCDC Boss to his office adding that the partnership between the corps and Geometric Group Ltd, has been both progressive and mutually beneficial.
The former Minister for Power extolled the commitment and professionalism of NSCDC personnel in the discharge of their duties adding that vandalism of the company’s power distribution facilities has witnessed tremendous reduction under the new deal with NSCDC.
Professor Nnaji assured the State Commandant that the company would continue to support the corps in her efforts towards fulfilling her mandates of protecting lives and property.
He further stated that the company was already in nine out of the 17 Local Government Areas in Abia State.
The Geometrics boss assured that the firm’s plans to provide steady power supply in the areas already covered had reached advanced stage.