By Monday Ijeh

The Federal Government has pledged to prioritise police infrastructure and personnel welfare to improve service delivery and ease officers’ hardship.

Minister of Police Affairs, Sen. Ibrahim Geidam, gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja during a meeting with the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olatunji Disu, and other police officers.

Geidam said the ministry would collaborate with the Nigerian Police Trust Fund to address personnel housing needs and improve their living conditions.

He also promised to strengthen officers’ welfare, accountability and internal disciplinary mechanisms within the force.

According to him, public confidence in the police depends on professionalism, fairness, integrity and respect for the rule of law.

He stressed the need for sustained inter-agency cooperation and intelligence sharing, noting that no security institution could independently tackle Nigeria’s security challenges.

Geidam described the visit as a demonstration of the enduring partnership and shared commitment between the ministry and the Nigeria Police Force.

He commended the force for strengthening internal security, advancing policy reforms and promoting professional, effective and people-oriented policing.

The minister also praised Disu’s leadership and commitment to protecting lives and property, maintaining law and order, and safeguarding citizens.

“I wish to assure you that the Ministry of Police Affairs remains committed to providing necessary policy direction, strategic support and institutional coordination.

“These are required to strengthen the operational capacity of the force,” he said.

Geidam said his administration was guided by the conviction that a strong, professional and adequately equipped police institution was indispensable.

He added that the ministry’s reform-oriented approach was designed to drive sustainable transformation within the force.

Earlier, Disu commended the ministry for its support, cooperation and commitment to the force’s growth, development and operational effectiveness.

He acknowledged Geidam’s responsiveness, particularly whenever the police required assistance.

The I-G said the visit was also aimed at strengthening institutional cooperation and reaffirming the force’s commitment to a productive working relationship.

He, however, sought the minister’s intervention in addressing the force’s infrastructure deficit, particularly inadequate housing for personnel.

“We have deficits of infrastructure and need your assistance in this regard. Our sister agencies have been enjoying huge infrastructure support in housing.

“We are here to express our desire to be included in the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Housing Programme,” he said.

Disu said the force particularly wanted junior officers accommodated wherever they were posted across the country.

He also briefed the minister on preparations for the 2027 general elections, saying the force had commenced training officers and personnel from other participating agencies.

He said the training included measures to accommodate persons living with disabilities during the elections.

The I-G further appealed for government support to address outstanding pension and welfare challenges affecting police personnel, particularly retirees.

“We have been having issues with the pension and welfare of our officers, especially retired officers.

“We want you to come in at this stage to assist us in finding a lasting solution to this problem,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo