Nigeria needs N3.4 trillion to bridge policing gap -Minister

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Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of State for Police Affairs, revealed on Monday that Nigeria must spend N3.4 trillion a year at minimum over the next five years to close the policing gap in the nation. At the first Renewed Hope Agenda Citizens Townhall Engagement on Strengthening Policing in Nigeria, held on Monday at Victoria Island, Lagos, with the theme “Community Policing: Building a Safer Nigeria Together,” the minister made this revelation.

The policing gap in Nigeria refers to the stark disparity between the population’s security needs and the resources allocated to law enforcement agencies. Nigeria’s growing population and high crime rates demand a robust and effective police force, yet the current system is plagued by a lack of funding, corruption, and inadequate training. As a result, citizens face daily challenges in obtaining security and justice, leading to a breakdown of law and order in many parts of the country.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim further explained that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had embarked on various police reforms to make the Nigeria Police Force more efficient in their mandate of protecting lives and properties. “We want a Nigeria Police that is recognised for professionalism, transparency, accountable practices. A force that is inclusive, community-based, technology-driven and intelligently led with a high level of efficiency in the discharge of its mandate of protecting lives and properties,” the minister said.

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One of the major factors contributing to the policing gap in Nigeria is the chronic underfunding of law enforcement agencies. The government’s allocation of resources to the police force falls far short of what is required to adequately respond to the security challenges facing the nation. Insufficient funds mean that police officers lack the necessary equipment, training, and infrastructure to carry out their duties effectively. This not only compromises their ability to investigate and prevent crimes but also leaves them vulnerable to corruption as they may resort to extortion or bribery to make ends meet.

As a panelist at the town hall engagement, Lagos State Governor Sanwo-Olu declared that the safety of people and property has always been the state’s paramount concern. He revealed that the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) had been used by the state to launch a number of initiatives aimed at enhancing the capabilities of Lagos’ security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police.

“For us in Lagos State, and as should be expected of the economic, commercial and industrial nerve centre of Nigeria, the safety of lives and property has always been a top priority. It is a strong factor in our administration’s commitment to create and sustain a conducive environment that is attractive for local and foreign investment.

“To achieve this objective, we have initiated a number of strategies aimed at strengthening the capacity and the will of the Lagos State Police Command and other security agencies in the State to enhance their effectiveness in tackling security challenges in all the nooks and crannies of the State.