Suleiman-Ibrahim Urges N3.4 Trillion Annual Investment to Address Nigeria’s Policing Gap

In a recent revelation at the Renewed Hope Agenda Citizens Townhall Engagement on Strengthening Policing in Nigeria, the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hon Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to channel a minimum of N3.4 trillion annually over the next five years to address the policing gap within the country. The event, themed “Community Policing: Building a Safer Nigeria Together,” unfolded at Victoria Island, Lagos, on Monday, where Sulaiman-Ibrahim shed light on the ongoing efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to reform the Nigeria Police Force.

Expressing the administration’s vision, the minister stated, “We want a Nigeria Police that is recognized for professionalism, transparency, accountable practices. A force that is inclusive, community-based, technology-driven and intelligently led with a high level of efficiency in the discharge of its mandate of protecting lives and properties.”

Lagos State’s Commitment to Security Enhancement

As a panelist during the town hall engagement, Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State affirmed that the safety of lives and properties remains a top priority for the state. He outlined various strategies employed by Lagos to bolster the capacity of security agencies, including the Nigeria Police, through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF).

“For us in Lagos State, the safety of lives and property has always been a top priority. It is a strong factor in our administration’s commitment to create and sustain a conducive environment that is attractive for local and foreign investment,” Governor Sanwo-Olu asserted. He highlighted the role of LSSTF, a platform that has garnered contributions from individuals and corporate organizations, enabling the state to provide crucial support to the Police and other security agencies.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also pointed out the establishment of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) in 2016, a community policing outfit designed to address the personnel gap within the Nigeria Police in the state. Acknowledging the under-policing challenge, he emphasized the need for community involvement and the adoption of advanced technology in security operations.

“There is no gainsaying that with less than 20,000 personnel strength, Lagos State, with a population of over 22 million is grossly under-policed by international standards. One of the ways we can bridge this gap is to encourage the involvement of the people through community policing. In addition, we must also modernize our security architecture and operations with the deployment of state-of-the-art technology for improved efficiency,” Governor Sanwo-Olu explained.

Investing in Technological Solutions

Governor Sanwo-Olu shared ongoing initiatives in Lagos, including the installation of smart cameras across the city. These cameras are interconnected to a Command and Control center, facilitating real-time monitoring of various locations in the city. The command and control center also establishes direct lines to the Police emergency first responders, fire and rescue services, among others, enhancing the overall responsiveness of the security apparatus.

Commending the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hon Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and the leadership of the Nigeria Police for organizing the Citizens Town Hall Engagement on Strengthening Policing in Nigeria, Governor Sanwo-Olu affirmed the continuous support, partnership, and collaboration of the Lagos State government for the successful implementation of this vital agenda.

In summary, Infostride News brings you comprehensive coverage of the Minister’s call for substantial annual investments in policing, shedding light on Lagos State’s proactive measures to enhance security, promote community policing, and embrace cutting-edge technology for a safer and more secure environment.