National Integration Coordination Centre Commissioned To Confront, Mitigate Security Threats, Lessen Impacts: Lesuma

In the event of any crisis relating to Fiji’s border security, acts of terrorism or severe natural disasters, the newly commissioned National Integrated Coordination Centre (NICC), will be the main operations centre.

It will report to the National Security and Defence Council.

The centre was commissioned by the Director-General of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service, Paul Symon.

The centre will serve as the fusion centre; collecting, verifying, analysing and synthesising all-sourced information for all threats and hazards that could destabilise government machineries.

Information will then be disseminated to relevant authorities to act upon in accordance with their mandate.

Permanent Secretary for Defence and National Security Manasa Lesuma said the centre contextualises risks that may develop into a national crisis and recommend mitigating measures in order to manage its likelihood and allow for a better situational awareness for our users.

“This tool would also enhance future planning or strategic decisions and allocation of resources in appropriate areas,” he said.

“Fiji’s remoteness and size required a coordinated approach from relevant stakeholders to confront and mitigate security threats so as to lessen its impacts.”

The Integration Coordination Centre is a first for Fiji and was made possible through the “Vuvale Partnership” with the Australian Government.

Edited by Percy Kean

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