The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to improving the welfare of police personnel and upgrading infrastructure across the Nigeria Police Force as part of efforts to enhance operational efficiency and improve service delivery.
Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Geidam, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during an engagement with the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olatunji Disu, and other senior officers of the force.
Geidam explained that the ministry would work closely with the Nigerian Police Trust Fund to tackle accommodation challenges confronting police personnel and create better living conditions for officers. He also assured the force of the government’s determination to strengthen welfare provisions, promote accountability and reinforce internal disciplinary procedures.
The minister stressed that rebuilding public trust in the police required a firm commitment to professional conduct, transparency, impartiality and adherence to the rule of law.
He further emphasised the importance of closer collaboration among security agencies, particularly in intelligence gathering and information exchange, noting that the country’s security challenges required a coordinated response from all relevant institutions.
Geidam said his visit underscored the longstanding relationship between the Ministry of Police Affairs and the police, as well as their common resolve to strengthen internal security and improve policing standards. He acknowledged the force’s contributions to security operations, institutional reforms and the promotion of responsive, efficient and citizen-centred policing.
He equally applauded the Inspector-General’s leadership, particularly his efforts to protect citizens, preserve public order and ensure the safety of lives and property.
“I wish to assure you that the Ministry of Police Affairs remains committed to providing necessary policy direction, strategic support and institutional coordination. These are required to strengthen the operational capacity of the force,” he said.
According to the minister, building a capable, well-equipped and professionally managed police institution remains central to the government’s security objectives. He maintained that the ministry’s ongoing reform initiatives were focused on achieving lasting improvements in the structure, performance and overall effectiveness of the force.
In his response, Disu expressed appreciation to the ministry for its continued assistance and collaboration, acknowledging its contribution to the institutional development and operational advancement of the police. He particularly commended Geidam for his willingness to respond to the force’s requests for support whenever the need arose.
The Inspector-General explained that the engagement was intended to further strengthen the working relationship between both institutions and reinforce their shared commitment to effective policing. He, however, drew attention to the force’s pressing infrastructure challenges, identifying inadequate residential accommodation for personnel as one of its major concerns.
“We have deficits of infrastructure and need your assistance in this regard. Our sister agencies have been enjoying huge infrastructure support in housing,” Mr Disu explained. “We are here to express our desire to be included in the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Housing Programme.”
Disu further appealed for priority attention to be given to junior-ranking officers, particularly through the provision of accommodation at their respective duty stations across the country, irrespective of their postings.
The police chief also updated the minister on preparations for the 2027 general elections, revealing that the force had already begun training its personnel alongside officers drawn from other security agencies expected to participate in the electoral process.
