The need to re-emphasize the protection of Nigeria’s Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) took center stage at the 2025 National Security Conference and Awards organized by the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP).
The high-profile event, which held at the Ballroom Hall of the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, brought together key stakeholders from security, government, business, and civil society sectors to deliberate on strategies for safeguarding Nigeria’s economic resources.
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, PhD, mni, OFR, was represented at the occasion by the Lagos State Commandant, Mr. Keshinro Adedotun.
Delivering the Commandant General’s address, Mr. Adedotun reaffirmed the NSCDC’s unwavering commitment to protecting national infrastructure and critical assets that are vital to Nigeria’s economic survival and stability.
He stated that the annual NAOSNP Security Conference has remained an important platform for shaping the country’s security discourse and advancing collective solutions to emerging threats.
Speaking on the theme of this year’s conference, “Securing and Safeguarding Nigeria’s Economic Resources: A Call to Serve,” the NSCDC representative emphasized that protecting national assets requires not only inter-agency collaboration but also active participation from the public.
Mr. Adedotun called on all Nigerians to support the Corps in its ongoing fight against vandalism, sabotage, and illegal activities that threaten public infrastructure and national wealth.
He further noted that the Federal Government has continued to demonstrate strong political will by combating corruption and investing in economic diversification to strengthen national resilience.
In recognition of his leadership and commitment, the NSCDC Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, was conferred with the 2025 NAOSNP Award of Excellence.
The award, according to the organizers, celebrates Prof. Audi’s “all-of-people” approach to the protection of critical infrastructure, conflict resolution, and proactive measures against threats to national resources.
Dignitaries at the event included the Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, who was represented by the Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Bolaji Kazeem, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, represented by AVM Bashir R. Mamman, Commandant of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Oshodi.
Also in attendance were AIG Adegoke Fayoade, representing the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Corps Marshal of FRSC, Mallam Shehu Mohammed, represented by Lagos Sector Commander, CC Kehinde Hamzat; and the Executive Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, represented by DCE Ayo Oyewole, Head of Public Affairs, Lagos EFCC.
Other key participants included the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, represented by the Lagos State Commissioner, Mr. Chukwurah Alexander; Commander of Ondo State Security Network (Amotekun), Amb. Akogun Adetunji Adeleye; and Commander, Enugu State Forest Guard, Dr. DCP Akinbayo Olasoji.
The event also featured notable figures from the private sector, religious institutions, and policy circles, such as the MD/CEO of Smithcrown Construction Ltd, Engr. Chris Agbede; General Overseer of MFM, Prof. Daniel K. Olukoya, represented by Prof. Sesan Oliyide; and the CEO of Trans Energy E-Global, Mr. Umar Ahmed Tijani.
The 2025 NAOSNP Security Conference and Awards concluded with a renewed call for synergy among security agencies, corporate stakeholders, and citizens to strengthen the protection of Nigeria’s vital infrastructure and economic assets.
