President Bola Tinubu has declared that his administration has strengthened the nation’s security apparatus to tackle emerging security challenges effectively.
The President made this assertion while declaring open the fifth edition of the Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO), held in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Tinubu, who was represented by his Vice, Senator Kashim Shettima, emphasized that his administration recognizes the importance of security in the socio-economic development of a nation.
He noted that his government has strengthened the operational capabilities of security agencies by providing adequate equipment to confront emergencies and combat crime effectively. The President called on Nigerians to collaborate with the police to foster a safer society, stating that policing cannot succeed without the cooperation of the people.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing the institutional capacity of the Nigeria Police Force, ensuring it is more effective and well-positioned to fulfill its constitutional mandate as the lead agency in internal security.
The President disclosed that the federal government is working to bridge existing security, infrastructure, and recruitment gaps through a comprehensive and sustainable program. This program includes renovating police barracks, improving mobility, and upgrading essential combat and protective gear.
Tinubu also mentioned that the new minimum wage is one of several measures by the federal government to enhance the welfare of the Nigerian workforce, including police personnel. He assured that his government would continue to collaborate with the police leadership to provide financial incentives to motivate officers and all security personnel to perform at their highest level.
The President maintained that his administration has introduced various reforms aimed at restoring investors’ confidence, stabilizing the microeconomic environment, and reducing inflation. He noted that his government is investing in road and rail infrastructure through Public-Private Partnerships to lower transportation costs, expand market accessibility, boost productivity, and create much-needed jobs.
In his remarks, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun described security as the cornerstone of any thriving environment, adding that a secure society is a place where everyone feels safe and protected. Abiodun emphasized the importance of inclusive policing, which involves understanding the unique needs of the people, upholding human rights, and prioritizing transparency.
The governor noted that a major challenge in security management is the lack of public trust. He advocated for building a policing system where every Nigerian believes that law enforcement agents are their friends and are there to protect them, not oppress them.
Abiodun announced that his administration would provide the police with electric-powered motorcycles and drones capable of facial recognition and number plate detection up to 8000 meters. He emphasized the need for security forces to evolve and integrate technology-driven solutions to stay ahead of criminals and enhance national security.