Writing By Usman Sani; Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
The Kukah Center has partnered the Kaduna State Government towards the smooth implementation of the Improving Community Security Initiatives for Accountable Service Delivery project in the State.
Project Manager of the Project, Mr Terseer Bamber stated this during the validation of the report of assessment of the law that established the Kaduna Vigilance Service (KADVS), which brought together top officials of the State Government and critical stakeholders in the State.
Mr Terseer Bamber explained that the Centre conducted an assessment of the law that established the KADVS, with a view to identifying areas of the law that can be improved, and advance recommendations towards a strengthened legal framework for the service.
It is also part of the Centre’s support to the State Government to strengthen KADVS and position it to deliver more on the good work it is already doing.
The Project Manager disclosed that the project is implemented across five States of Kaduna, Katsina Sokoto, Benue and Plateau in the North-West and North-Central geo-political zones respectively.
Also speaking, Commissioner of Justice, Dr James Kanyip said the law establishing the State Vigilance Service was first promulgated and passed into law in 2016 and subsequently amended to what is now known as Kaduna Vigilance Service law in 2021.
According to him, the amended law includes two major provisions, which include, to enable KADVS personnel bear light arms after obtaining the necessary license under the fire arms act from the IGP, and that all personnel are entitled to life insurance coverage.
In his submission, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Sule Shu’aibu commended the Kukah Center for its timely intervention as part of efforts to position the KADVS to operate within the ambit of the law.
In a remark, the Commandant of the Kaduna Vigilance Service, CP Audu Dabigi(rtd), expressed hope that the project would go a long way in boosting the capacity of the Service for effective service delivery.
The project, is supported by the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria(SPRING) programme, an initiative of the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and implemented by Tetra Tech International Development.
The validation activity was attended by stakeholders from the Police, NBA, FIDA, Traditional and Religious leaders, MACBAN, SOKAPU, the media, market women among others.
Usman Sani