From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria has urged the Federal Government to overhaul the country’s security architecture in response to rising cases of kidnapping, killings and community attacks.
The National President of the association, Comrade Shehu Mohammed, made the call on Thursday at the opening of the ASCSN National Executive Council meeting held at Zeus Paradise Hotel, Mabushi, Abuja.
Mohammed said Nigerians live “under a specter of fear,” stressing that union members and their families have also been victims of nationwide criminal attacks.
He appealed to state governors to respond to President Bola Tinubu’s directive asking them to take greater responsibility for security in their domains.
Mohammed reiterated the union’s support for state police but warned against creating a force that could be controlled absolutely by governors.
He proposed a State Police Commission composed of political parties, labour leaders, religious groups, traditional rulers, students and civil society groups to prevent abuse of power.
According to him, “all hands must be on deck to reverse the deteriorating security situation” so the government can perform its constitutional duty of protecting lives and property.
The ASCSN president highlighted initiatives carried out since the current leadership was elected in August 2024.
These include relocating the union’s national secretariat from Lagos to Abuja; strengthening administrative structures; capacity-building programmes for members; and sustained advocacy that led to the restoration of gratuity for public servants, which is expected to resume in January 2026.
He disclosed that the union has reactivated plans to complete its stalled multi-storey national secretariat project in Mabushi, which includes a conference centre, guest house and shops.
On capacity development, Mohammed said a training committee had concluded its work, adding that new training programmes would begin soon across the federation.
Mohammed reaffirmed the union’s long-standing opposition to privatising federal unity colleges.
He recalled the ASCSN’s resistance to similar moves under the Obasanjo administration, saying the union “will not allow” a repeat attempt.
He accused private interests of trying to acquire schools such as King’s College, Lagos, insisting that unity schools must remain accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of socioeconomic background.
The ASCSN president urged members to remain united and avoid individuals “who do not wish the association well,” assuring them that the leadership remains committed to improving welfare and strengthening the union’s influence.
In his goodwill message, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, praised the association for its consistency and contribution to national stability.
He assured that the ministry would continue to promote decent work, harmonious labour relations and social dialogue.
“As social partners in nation-building, your voice has been constructive and focused on the collective good of Nigerian workers,” he said.
