…….Minister assures on housing, infrastructure, pensions, insurance and operational support.
The Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Dr. Ibrahim Gaidam, CON, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) through sustained institutional collaboration, improved personnel welfare, infrastructure development and ongoing reforms.
The Minister gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu psc, and members of the Force Management Team to the Ministry of Police Affairs in Abuja.
Senator Gaidam described the visit as a demonstration of the enduring partnership between the Ministry and the Force, noting that effective collaboration is essential to advancing police reforms, strengthening internal security and building a professional, accountable and people-oriented institution.
He commended the IGP’s leadership in safeguarding lives and property and addressing security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and organised crime.
The Minister highlighted the establishment of the National Criminal Data Fusion Centre and Nigeria’s participation in the West African Police Information System as key initiatives to strengthen criminal intelligence, information sharing and regional security cooperation.
He also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to recruiting 50,000 additional police constables to address manpower shortages and expand operational coverage nationwide, commending the IGP for his cooperation in the screening exercise across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
On personnel welfare and infrastructure, Senator Gaidam disclosed that the Ministry was engaging the Nigeria Police Trust Fund to explore sustainable solutions to police accommodation challenges, particularly for personnel deployed outside their states of origin. He added that a proposal on police infrastructure funding had been forwarded to the Fund for consideration in its 2027 budget.
Addressing pension concerns of retired police officers, the Minister assured that the Ministry remained committed to securing a lasting resolution through relevant government authorities. He recalled that a report on the matter had been forwarded to the President, with engagements continuing in line with the presidential directive.
He further disclosed that the Ministry had requested an upward review of the existing police insurance provision from ₦30 billion to approximately ₦102 billion, subject to confirmation of the final figure. He expressed optimism that the request would receive favourable consideration following engagements with the relevant authorities, including the Ministers of Finance and Budget and Economic Planning.
The Minister urged the Force to sustain its commitment to community policing, accountability, professional standards, personnel welfare and inter-agency cooperation, stressing that public confidence remains critical to effective policing.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Police Affairs, welcomed the IGP and his delegation, describing the visit as an opportunity to deepen institutional collaboration and advance the shared responsibility of promoting national security, public safety and stability.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to providing policy direction, administrative support and institutional coordination to enhance police operational effectiveness, while emphasising sustained cooperation in funding, personnel management, infrastructure, capacity development, technology-driven policing and community engagement.
In his remarks, the IGP expressed appreciation to the Minister and the Ministry’s management for their continued support, identifying police housing, infrastructure, pension concerns and preparations for the 2027 General Elections as priority areas requiring sustained government intervention.
He disclosed that the Force had commenced proactive preparations for the elections, including training and capacity development for police officers and personnel of sister security agencies. He stressed the need for operational readiness, professional conduct, inter-agency coordination and the protection of vulnerable groups, particularly persons living with disabilities.
The IGP appealed for the Ministry’s intervention in resolving pension-related concerns of retired officers, noting that pension administration and retirement benefits fall outside the direct control of the Force. He also called for sustained attention to police accommodation and infrastructure, particularly in view of ongoing personnel redeployment nationwide.
He expressed confidence that closer engagement between the Ministry and the Force Management Team would facilitate the resolution of administrative and operational challenges, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks and improve service delivery.
In his vote of thanks, the Director, Human Resource Management, Ministry of Police Affairs, Mr. Ikemefuna Ohanyere, commended the Minister for his leadership, understanding of the challenges confronting the policing ecosystem and commitment to addressing the issues raised.
He also appreciated the Permanent Secretary for his guidance and efforts towards translating the Ministry’s policies and programmes into meaningful interventions.
Mr. Ohayere assured the IGP and his team of the Ministry’s commitment to working towards implementing the Minister’s assurances and advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as it relates to the policing ecosystem.
The visit reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Police Affairs and the Nigeria Police Force to sustained collaboration in advancing police reforms, improving personnel welfare and strengthening national security.
DD (Press and Public Relations)
4th November 2026
