In a renewed effort to enhance the protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) across the country, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has entered into a strategic partnership with IHS Nigeria. The collaboration was formalized during a high-level visit by the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, to the headquarters of IHS Nigeria in Victoria Island, Lagos, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.
The visit, marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), further cements the longstanding cooperation between the Corps and IHS Nigeria in safeguarding key national infrastructure.
In a gesture of support, Mr. Mohamad Darwish, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of IHS Nigeria, presented two operational vehicles to Dr. Audi, symbolizing IHS Nigeria’s commitment to boosting the Corps’ operational capacity.
Darwish commended the NSCDC for its unwavering dedication to protecting national infrastructure and for working closely with private sector players to uphold ethical standards in security operations. He urged the Commandant General to continue prioritizing the nation’s interest, noting that the Corps’ efforts in combating economic sabotage and vandalism have not gone unnoticed.
Dr. Audi, in his remarks, reaffirmed the Corps’ readiness to support organizations like IHS Nigeria that actively contribute to the nation’s peace and socio-economic development. He also praised the management and staff of IHS Nigeria for their professionalism and their role in employing approximately 40,000 Nigerians.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to the protection of critical national assets,” Audi said, emphasizing that the vehicles would significantly enhance field operations. “We remain steadfast in working with credible private sector partners to ensure national progress.”
The event was attended by key stakeholders from both NSCDC and IHS Nigeria. Notable among them were:
Dr. Eze Benito, mni – Acting Deputy Commandant General, CNAI
ACG Akibo Olusola, fsi – Zonal Commander, Zone 1
Mr. Adedotun Keshinro – Lagos State Commandant
Mr. Akeem Adeshina – Chief Commercial Officer, IHS Nigeria
Mr. Dapo Otunla – Senior Vice President & Chief Corporate Services Officer, IHS Nigeria
Yemisi Diya-Salawu – Director, Legal, IHS Nigeria
Other NSCDC senior officers present included state commandants from Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, and the Lagos Liaison Office, as well as heads of relevant departments involved in CNAI.