The Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has said the Corps remains undeterred in its commitment towards guarding against all forms of harassment and violence within its ranks.
Audi gave the assurance in a keynote address delivered while declaring open a One-day sensitization programme held at the NSCDC National Headquarters, Sauka in Abuja.
According to the National PRO of the Corps, Babawale Afolabi, the program was organized by the NSCDC in collaboration with the UN-women initiative, Germany and Norway.
The Commandant General lamented the negative effects of workplace violence and harassment noting that; “in recent years, incidences of workplace violence and harassment have cast a dark cloud over numerous industries organizations, endangering lives and eroding the very fabric of our workplaces.
“We have witnessed the devastating impact such conducts could have on individuals, teams, and ultimately on the productivity and morale of the workforce.
“As leaders, we must create an environment where every member feels safe, respected, and valued, free from any form of violence or harassment.”
He went further to enumerate some behaviours that constitute violence and harassment in the workplace including; physical assault, verbal abuse, nepotism, intimidation, discrimination and sexual harassment.
Dr Audi further warned that under no circumstances should such actions be tolerated within the NSCDC.
“To achieve zero tolerance, we must recognize that violence and harassment are not isolated incidents but rather systemic issues that demand a holistic approach noting the need to institute proactive measures such as robust policies, and thorough training programmes, and cultivate an open environment that encourages individuals to come forward and report matters of concern”
The CG called on all personnel of the NSCDC and the public to reflect on their role by creating a workplace that is conducive and mutually respectful.
Speaking earlier during her welcome address, National Head of Gender Unit; Assistant Commandant of Corps(ACC) Kemi Ajet explained that the programme is not just to identify the problems associated with the workplace but to find long-lasting solutions as it has become very crucial for the public to understand the gravity of the issues and their roles in creating a workplace free from violence and any form of harassment.
“The Gender Unit has been established within the NSCDC to address the specific challenges of Sexual Gender Based Violence faced by individuals, particularly women, within our organization.
“Our goal is to create a workplace that is safe, serene, peaceful and respectable for all personnel regardless of their gender identity or background.”
At the high point of the event, there were goodwill messages from the UN-Women Country representatives; Ms Beatrice Eyong, the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement of the US Embassy; Shaun Gavin, the President International Academy for Gender and Peace; Professor Tyoor Terhemba among others.
There was also an official presentation of more copies of the NSCDC’s Gender Policy manual to broaden the knowledge of the officers.
