The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has dissolved its volunteer arm, the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) Brigade), replacing it with a new structure known as the Citizens Values Brigade.
The move follows the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in September 2024 and aligns with ongoing amendments to the NOA Establishment Act.
Director-General of the Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the reform reflects the democratic ideals of the present administration, noting that the WAI Brigade, created during military rule, is no longer compatible with democratic governance.
“A democratic government should not be seen as waging war against its citizens over indiscipline,” Issa-Onilu stated. “While such measures might have been acceptable during military rule, the use of coercion to enforce discipline is inconsistent with democracy.”
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He said guidelines for the new Citizens Values Brigade, covering structure, enlistment, and operations, will be issued soon, adding that members of the defunct WAI Brigade can reapply under the new framework.
The NOA boss also disclosed that legislative amendments to the Agency’s Establishment Act are underway to integrate the Nigerian Identity Project, which aims to strengthen civic education and national values.
When fully operational, the Citizens Values Brigade will begin activities in primary and secondary schools nationwide, with an initial membership of 37,000 volunteers across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Issa-Onilu said the new brigade will focus on persuasion and civic reorientation rather than enforcement, leading grassroots campaigns for behavioural and attitudinal change in line with the National Values Charter.
