Commandant National Defence College Nigeria, Inaugurates Committee For Advanced Security Management Programme
The Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC), Nigeria, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, has inaugurated the Project Management Committee on the Advanced Security Management Programme (ASMP) in Abuja. In his inaugural address, Rear Admiral Olotu commended the Technical Working Group (TWG) on States Financial and Investment Safety Nets for initiating and driving the programme in collaboration with the NDC. He described the ASMP as a forward-looking capacity-building initiative tailored for members of State and Local Government Security Councils and specialised security organisations across Nigeria’s 36 States. He noted that the objective of the ASMP is to build strategic, technical, and operational capacity for enhancing Nigeria’s internal security architecture. The programme is designed to equip public officials, security personnel, and other key stakeholders with modern knowledge and tools to address the multifaceted nature of security challenges in the country.
Rear Admiral Olotu congratulated members of the committee on their appointment and assured them of the College’s unwavering support for the successful execution of the programme. He reaffirmed NDC’s mandate as Nigeria’s apex military institution and a national think tank, contributing professional insights and strategic solutions to enhance national security governance. He further stressed the urgency of addressing the dynamic and complex nature of insecurity in Nigeria, which often demands joint efforts from both state and non-state actors. “Despite the efforts of law enforcement agencies, we must strengthen collaboration with all stakeholders. Security is a shared responsibility. This initiative is a significant step toward integrated, multi-stakeholder efforts to safeguard our communities,” he said.
The Commandant highlighted the growing role of technology in both advancing and threatening national security. He pointed out the need for holistic training programmes that can bridge the capacity gaps and better prepare stakeholders to leverage technology for security while countering its misuse by criminal elements.
In his goodwill message, the President and CEO of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), represented by Mrs Viola Asika, commended the collaboration between the NDC and the TWG. He underscored the importance of digital transformation in security management and pledged DBI’s support in delivering quality technical inputs and capacity development resources.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, Technical Advisory Lead and Co-Chair, Mr. Nwanze Okonkwo described the ASMP as a timely intervention to reposition Nigeria’s security framework for 21st-century challenges. He thanked the Commandant for embracing the partnership and emphasised that the initiative reflects a commitment to visionary, forward-thinking leadership.
Mr. Okonkwo noted that the committee is charged with planning and implementing a world-class programme that will convene national and international experts, practitioners, and policymakers to co-create solutions tailored to Nigeria’s evolving security needs.
Membership of the Project Management Committee cuts across key institutions, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (IGDS), FGN TWG Projects Office, National Defence College (NDC), Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), and other relevant public and private sector organisations.
The ASMP is expected to commence later this year, with phased training, strategic dialogue sessions, and simulation exercises to enhance institutional synergy and operational readiness at all tiers of government.
