The Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam has pointed out that the German government being the foremost contributor to the advancement of policing services and reforms within Nigeria, stands as an indispensable ally towards fortifying law enforcement across our nation.
He made this known during the visit of the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Her Excellency, Annett Gunther to the headquarters of the Ministry of Police Affairs in Abuja.
The Minister expressed that the Federal Government holds in high regard the generous support extended by the German Government towards police reforms noting that the commitment to assisting in the area of reforms, development, and improvement of the Police has made significant impacts on our organization and the community we serve”. Gaidam stressed.
In his words, “Under the distinguished leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the Nigerian Government is unwaveringly dedicated to elevating the capabilities and professionalism of the Nigerian police force. Your generosity and dedication to helping us enhance policing capabilities have not gone unnoticed. The resources, expertise, and guidance you have shared with us have been invaluable in strengthening our law enforcement efforts and promoting a safer environment for all Nigerian citizens”.
Gaidam said the meeting created an opportunity to assess and fortify our alliance, notably in the realms of security cooperation, counter-terrorism, and other pivotal dimensions of security.
According to him, “The collaboration between the German Government and Nigeria in combating violent extremism, addressing cybercrime, combating illicit financial activities, and upholding human rights holds the utmost significance in today’s global landscape and is a testimony to the strong partnership and friendship that exists between Germany and Nigeria. We, therefore, eagerly anticipate the deepening of this partnership in these crucial domains”.
The Minister mentioned specific areas of security cooperation between the Nigerian Government and the German Government that could enhance and reform the Nigerian police force such as Training and Capacity Building; Technology and Equipment Support; Intelligence Sharing; Police Reforms and Institutional Strengthening; Community Engagement Programs; Counter-terrorism Cooperation; Legal and Judicial Support.
Earlier, German Ambassador to Nigeria, Her Excellency, Annett Gunther mentioned the major engagement of the German government in Nigeria such as the training of more than 1000 Police Trainers who have trained more than thousands of police personnel in the country and the refurbishment of the training institutions.
She added that other projects the German government is involved in are equipping and expanding communication service and capacity and provision of mobile barracks for the secondment of police officers to other parts of the country in conjunction with the USA.
In her words, supporting police reforms is our major engagement in Nigeria and this year is the 50th anniversary of signing a cooperation agreement with Nigeria. The cooperation in the key sector dates back to the visit of former Chancellor Angelar Merrkel visit during President Buhari’s regime to support the reform process in Nigeria”
Bolaji O. Kazeem
Deputy Director (Information and Public Relations)
