Features
Why we dissolved WAI Brigade, introduce Citizen Values Brigade – NOA
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
22 Oct 2025 07:11 AM
In a significant restructuring move, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) of Nigeria has announced the dissolution of its long-standing volunteer arm, the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) Brigade.
The decision, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in September 2024, marks a shift toward a more democratic approach to fostering national values, replacing the WAI Brigade with the newly proposed Citizen Values Brigade.
The announcement was made in a press release on Tuesday, by Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Director-General of NOA.
Speaking on the rationale behind the change, Issa-Onilu emphasized that the "war" terminology associated with the WAI Brigade, established during military rule, is no longer suitable in Nigeria’s democratic context.
“A democratic government should not be seen as waging war against its citizens over indiscipline. While such measures might have been acceptable during military rule, the use of force or coercion to enforce discipline is inconsistent with the principles of democracy,” he stated.
The restructuring aligns with a broader legislative effort to amend the NOA Establishment Act No. 100 of 1993 (now Cap 64, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004), which is currently underway. This amendment is part of the Nigeria Identity Project, aimed at reinforcing national values and identity through institutional reforms.
The Citizen Values Brigade is expected to play a pivotal role in this initiative, focusing on persuasive methods to drive attitudinal and behavioral change at the grassroots level.
According to the Director-General, the new brigade will initially comprise 37,000 members, drawn from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). These volunteers will be active in primary and secondary schools, working to instill core national values as outlined in the National Values Charter.
Detailed guidelines for the structure, enlistment, and operations of the Citizen Values Brigade are set to be released soon, with former WAI Brigade members encouraged to reapply under the new framework.
This restructuring reflects the NOA’s commitment to adapting its operations to Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape while strengthening its mandate to promote civic responsibility.
As the legislative process continues and new guidelines are rolled out, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the Citizen Values Brigade will shape the nation’s social fabric.
The decision, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in September 2024, marks a shift toward a more democratic approach to fostering national values, replacing the WAI Brigade with the newly proposed Citizen Values Brigade.
The announcement was made in a press release on Tuesday, by Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Director-General of NOA.
Speaking on the rationale behind the change, Issa-Onilu emphasized that the "war" terminology associated with the WAI Brigade, established during military rule, is no longer suitable in Nigeria’s democratic context.
“A democratic government should not be seen as waging war against its citizens over indiscipline. While such measures might have been acceptable during military rule, the use of force or coercion to enforce discipline is inconsistent with the principles of democracy,” he stated.
The restructuring aligns with a broader legislative effort to amend the NOA Establishment Act No. 100 of 1993 (now Cap 64, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004), which is currently underway. This amendment is part of the Nigeria Identity Project, aimed at reinforcing national values and identity through institutional reforms.
The Citizen Values Brigade is expected to play a pivotal role in this initiative, focusing on persuasive methods to drive attitudinal and behavioral change at the grassroots level.
According to the Director-General, the new brigade will initially comprise 37,000 members, drawn from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). These volunteers will be active in primary and secondary schools, working to instill core national values as outlined in the National Values Charter.
Detailed guidelines for the structure, enlistment, and operations of the Citizen Values Brigade are set to be released soon, with former WAI Brigade members encouraged to reapply under the new framework.
This restructuring reflects the NOA’s commitment to adapting its operations to Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape while strengthening its mandate to promote civic responsibility.
As the legislative process continues and new guidelines are rolled out, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the Citizen Values Brigade will shape the nation’s social fabric.
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