The Federal Government says it will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that strengthened internal security and grassroots policing service delivery across the country are delivered to Nigerians.
It also warned the police officers attached to some newly inaugurated stations and other existing ones to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and community engagement.
The Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, stated this at Katampe Area of Mpape in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, when he inaugurated a newly constructed smart police station built by the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF).
Daily Trust reports that the solar-powered facility was formally handed over to the police high command through the Inspector-General of Police by the Executive Secretary of the NPTF, Mr Mohammed Sheidu on Wednesday.
The facility is expected to enhance law enforcement capabilities and strengthen community-police relations in the area, and that the similar facilities is expected to be inaugurated in Kogi and Enugu among others in few weeks.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry , Anuma Nila, described the inauguration as symbolic that will serve as a beacon of hope for the Nigerian populace.
“It embodies our collective resolve to entrench law and order, improve community-police relations, and ensure that every citizen can live without fear. It stands as a beacon of hope, a pledge of protection, and a commitment to service delivery at the grassroots,” he said.
Addressing officers and personnel assigned to the new facility, he charged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and community engagement.
“Let this station be known for prompt response, fairness, and respect for human rights,” he said, while noting that the station must be an institution the people can trust and rely on.
He, however, reaffirmed the federal government’s unwavering dedication to strengthening the capacity of the force and prioritising internal security in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Let me reaffirm the federal government’s dedication to strengthening the capacity of Nigerian police force and prioritising internal security in line with the president’s renewal agenda. This police station is a clear demonstration of our resolve to ensure a safer, more and more secure Nigeria,” he said.
Highlighting the need for technological advancement in policing, he urged the Inspector General of Police to deploy digitally-minded officers to the station in line with the vision of a modern Nigeria Police Force.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of the NPTF, Mr Sheidu, said the facility, consist of modern police station, perimeter fencing, sedentary CCTV surveillance, overhead water tanks for uninterrupted water supply and a 30-kilowatt solar power system, stands as a mission and statement of a nation-building.
“This is not just another station, it is a secure, efficient and community-orientated policing hub built to meet the evolving standards of law enforcement in today’s Nigeria.
“A key component of this project is its off-grid solar power systems which was made possible through collaborations with REA and they have supported the police station with this 30 kilowatt solar system which includes solar panels, inverters and battery to ensure that this facility operates seamlessly without dependence on the national grid.
“Simultaneously we break ground on a six-man rank and file quarters because we understand that the operational readiness begins with the well-being of those whom we serve.
“No officer should have to face the burden of duty while contending with inadequate living conditions. This project is a statement of our respect for the dignity of police officers.
“It is a tangible step towards boosting morale and ensuring that our personnel especially at the front lines have the stability to perform their roles with excellence,” he said.
He noted that every Naira spent must deliver measurable value, adding that every project must bring us closer to a police force that earns the trust of the people.
“To the officers who work from this facility, use it as a platform for excellence, maintain it with pride, let it reflect the professionalism and that the nation expects from you,” he added.
