President Bola Tinubu has stated that his administration has strengthened Nigeria’s security apparatus to effectively tackle emerging security challenges. The President made this declaration while opening the fifth edition of the Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO) in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of security in socio-economic development. He highlighted the administration’s efforts to enhance the operational capabilities of security agencies by providing adequate equipment to combat crime and respond to emergencies effectively.
Key Points from President Tinubu’s Address:
- Shared Responsibility for Security:
The President called on Nigerians to actively collaborate with the police, noting that security is a shared responsibility. He stressed that public engagement and trust are central to inclusive policing. - Commitment to Police Welfare:
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of police personnel, including the implementation of a new minimum wage and financial incentives to motivate officers. - Infrastructure and Capacity Building:
The federal government is working to bridge security, infrastructure, and recruitment gaps through comprehensive programs. These include renovating police barracks, improving mobility, and upgrading combat and protective gear. - Economic Reforms:
The President highlighted ongoing reforms to restore investor confidence, stabilize the macroeconomic environment, and reduce inflation. Measures include removing fuel and electricity subsidies, investing in road and rail infrastructure, and leveraging public-private partnerships to create jobs. - Inclusive Policing:
Tinubu commended the theme of the conference, “Improving Nigeria’s Internal Security and Economic Prosperity Through Inclusive Policing,” aligning it with his administration’s objectives of fostering economic growth and leveraging Nigeria’s human and natural resources.
Ogun State Governor’s Remarks:
Governor Dapo Abiodun described security as the cornerstone of a thriving society and emphasized the need for inclusive policing that upholds human rights, prioritizes transparency, and engages with local communities. He highlighted his administration’s support for the police through strategic partnerships, investment in modern security infrastructure, and technology-driven solutions such as surveillance drones and artificial intelligence.
Inspector General of Police’s Address:
Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun noted the importance of intelligence-led policing in addressing complex threats like violent crimes, cybercrime, terrorism, and transnational organized crimes. He disclosed that the police force is committed to deepening partnerships with domestic and international security agencies while enhancing community engagement to bolster public trust.
The IGP also revealed that the reorganization of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) and other specialized units remains a priority. He announced that all commands and formations have been mandated to implement a comprehensive Action Plan aimed at reducing crime rates by 50% in 2025.
Conclusion:
The conference underscores the Tinubu administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture, improving police welfare, and fostering economic prosperity through inclusive policing.
