Senate Introduces Bill to Establish NDA in Delta State
By Mustapha Salisu
Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, representing Delta North, has sponsored a significant bill aimed at amending the Nigerian Defence Academy Establishment Act.
The proposed legislation seeks to create an additional Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA Delta) in Delta State, recognizing the pressing need to address Nigeria’s growing population and evolving security demands.
Titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigerian Defence Academy Establishment Act for the Establishment of an Additional Nigerian Defence Academy in Delta State and for Other Related Matters,” the bill outlines key provisions to guide the establishment, purpose, authority, oversight, admissions, curriculum, infrastructure, staffing, and conduct of NDA Delta.
Key Provisions of the Bill include;
*Name, Location, and Jurisdiction: NDA Delta shall be established in Delta State, operating in conjunction with the existing NDA Kaduna under the general framework of the Nigerian Defence Academy.
*Establishment and Purpose: NDA Delta will train officers for the Armed Forces of Nigeria, aligning with the mission and objectives of NDA Kaduna. It will adhere to academic and military standards set by the National Universities Commission and the Nigerian Armed Forces.
*Authority and Oversight: The Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with the National Universities Commission and the Armed Forces Council, will oversee the establishment, administration, and oversight of NDA Delta. A Governing Board will be constituted for operational guidance.
*Admissions, Curriculum, and Degrees: NDA Delta will admit candidates based on specified criteria, including academic qualifications, physical fitness, and character evaluation. The curriculum will include military, academic, and leadership training, consistent with NDA Kaduna, and the academy will have the authority to confer degrees.
*Infrastructure, Resources, and Staffing: Adequate funding and resources will be allocated for NDA Delta, including infrastructure, equipment, and training facilities. Qualified academic and military personnel will be recruited, adhering to Armed Forces standards.
*Operational Guidelines and Conduct: NDA Delta will operate under strict military discipline, adopting operational guidelines consistent with the Nigerian Armed Forces’ regulations. Codes of conduct and disciplinary measures will be established for cadets and staff.
*Reporting and Review: NDA Delta will submit annual reports on its activities to the Ministry of Defence and the National Universities Commission. A periodic review will be conducted to assess effectiveness and overall progress.
*Miscellaneous Provisions: The Ministry of Defence, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, may issue regulations or guidelines for the effective implementation of this Act. Matters not explicitly addressed will be determined by the Governing Board of NDA Delta.
*Commencement, Citation, and Short Title: The Act may be cited as the Nigerian Defence Academy (Establishment of NDA Delta) Act, [Year], and shall come into force on the date of its passage and signing into law.
Explanatory Memorandum of the Bill seeks to establish NDA Delta in Delta State to address the growing demand for military education.
With only 441 cadets selected from over 30,000 applicants for the recent (2023) matriculation, the necessity for a second academy is evident.
Beyond national security needs, the bill aims to stimulate economic growth, provide leadership training, and foster national integration, contributing to a more inclusive and secure Nigeria alongside the existing NDA in Kaduna.
