Addressing Nigeria Police Housing Issues

The inspector-general of police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun said the federal government plans to establish a N100 billion Police Housing Fund for officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force.

Speaking at the launch of the inaugural Nigerian Police Housing Summit in Abuja, the IGP revealed that the objectives of the Nigerian Police Housing Summit 2024 were to articulate a vision of ‘effective and efficient’ housing as an essential tool for the welfare of the Nigeria Police Force’s men and officers, amongst other things. He further stated that, “A critical discussion point will be the establishment of a 100billion Naira Police Housing Fund. Preliminary assessments are underway, and engagements with key players and institutions have begun.

The experts and facilitators gathered here today will play a crucial role in refining our strategies and ideas.” Speaking further during the event, with the theme, “Renewed Hope for Police Housing in Nigeria,”  the IGP said, “A key aspect of enhancing our officers’ conditions is the provision of appropriate housing during and after their service. This task is monumental, as the Nigerian Police Force currently grapples with a significant housing shortage for its members across all ranks. “Presently, housing capacity meets only about 10 per cent of the needs of our more than 400,000-strong workforce.

Moreover, years of neglect have rendered existing barracks accommodations largely inadequate, failing to meet the demands of modern 21st-century policing. “In the past, the Nigeria Police Force has launched initiatives aimed at addressing these shortfalls, including the establishment of the Nigerian Police Force Property Development and Construction Co Ltd and forging partnerships with various state governments, government bodies, sister organisations, and private sector developers.”

In his remarks, the minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa commended the inspector general of police for deeming it appropriate at this time to discuss issues central to resolving the challenge of providing shelter to the rank and file of the Nigeria Police.

Dangiwa said, “the federal mortgage, an agency under the direct supervision of the ministry is supporting this initiative with the provision of a NI00 billion off-taker guarantee to the consortium of developers in addition to its commitment to provide mortgage loans to the off takers upon completion of the houses. The delivery of this target will be spread across the nation and I have no doubt that a good number of our men in uniform would also emerge as beneficiaries under this arrangement.