Tinubu Creates State Liaison Directorate In ONSA, Appoints Lami Chinade As Pioneer Director
ABUJA – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the creation of the Directorate of State Liaison (DSL) within the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and appointed Lami Chinade as its first Director.
A statement from ONSA on Tuesday noted that this newly established directorate is part of President Tinubu’s strategic efforts to improve the proactive coordination of national security matters with states and local government areas (LGAs).
According to the statement, the directorate will oversee the implementation and follow-up of joint decisions made between state governors and the ONSA. It will also be responsible for maintaining a comprehensive database of contact persons at the state and local levels and for developing community engagement programs in collaboration with Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The statement elaborated, saying, “Key functions will include conflict resolution, identifying areas for improvement, and fostering cooperation to enhance national security service delivery across all states. The directorate will play a critical role in ensuring smooth coordination of national security policies at the state and local levels.”
Additionally, the DSL will serve as a crucial link between state authorities and the federal government to ensure clear communication, effective collaboration, and alignment of security priorities. The creation of the DSL, according to the ONSA, was motivated by the need to monitor and assess the impact of national security policies on state governance and local development. It will also facilitate dialogue and negotiations to address potential conflicts between states and national security entities.
As Director, Lami Chinade will provide strategic leadership and oversight for the DSL, working closely with key stakeholders at both the state and local levels, including civil society organizations. Chinade’s role will also involve deploying monitoring mechanisms for data collection and evaluation of national security programs, providing regular updates to the National Security Adviser.
Chinade, a lawyer with over 30 years of experience, has held various positions including Head of the Monitoring Unit and Senior Legal Officer at the National Human Rights Commission, as well as Chief Operating Officer in the downstream operations of a leading petroleum resources company.
Her extensive experience across multiple industries is expected to bring valuable expertise to the newly created directorate, strengthening national security efforts at the grassroots level.