- Safiu Kehinde
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has admitted to the deplorable state of the Nigerian Police Barracks across the country.
Egbetokun made the admittance during his address at the groundbreaking of 2,200 Police Housing Units in Lagos on Thursday.
Recall that popular social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse (VeryDarkMan) had earlier in the week called out the IGP over the poor welfare of the Nigerian Police personnel including the deplorable barracks where they live.
Speaking at the groundbreaking event, IGP Egbetokun revealed that most of the barracks were indeed built over 50 years ago and have been deteriorating.
“Police barracks in Lagos and other major cities across the country have been in deplorable state in the last two decades.
“Many of these barracks were constructed over 50 years ago and have been in use without proper maintenance.
“About 20 years ago, the barracks began to deteriorate with occupants taking it upon themselves to replace doors, windows, and railings.
“Aside that, the floors and walls started to cave in that the makeshift repairs could no longer hold.
“The roofs which were nearly torn can no longer be patched, leaving the buildings exposed during raining season.
“As a result, the structures began to disintegrate.
Over the past decade, we have witnessed a disturbing trend of building collapse within these barracks. There have been some sort of interventions by successive governments, but unfortunately, the problem have persisted.” Egbetokun said.
The IGP, however, commended his predecessor, Alkali Baba (Rtd) for initiating the Private-public partnership with Lagos State government which aided the plan to construct the new 2,200 Police housing units.
He reaffirmed the Force’s commitment towards the welfare of the personnel.
“I give kudos to the immediate past police administration led by IGP Alkali Baba (Rtd) who took the bold step to go into a private-public partnership with Lagos state government and the NPF Property Development & Construction company to remodel and replace the Police barracks in Lagos.
“The tripartite agreement which gave impetus to this laudable initiative was formally signed in September 2022, marking the crucial step towards transforming the living condition of our Police personnel.
“On assumption of duty as a succeeding IGP, we continued on this bold step while insisting on better deals for the police in the already signed agreement.
“The construction of this new barracks which groundbreaking ceremony is taking place here today in Lagos is a testament to our commitment to providing our officers with a safe, comfortable, and modern living environment.
“This new facility will not only improve the welfare of our officers but also enhance their ability to serve and protect our communities.
“We have taken steps to replicate this in other major cities across the country.” The IGP added.