President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a major housing initiative that will provide thousands of homes for police personnel across Nigeria, while also directing the Force to play a lead role in recovering encroached federal lands.
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, disclosed this on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
He explained that the move was part of the President’s directive to safeguard government assets and enhance police welfare.
Dangiwa, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib M. L. Belgore, and other top officials of the ministry, revealed plans to establish a National Task Force made up of the Police and other relevant agencies to oversee the recovery and protection of federal lands.
“The increasing challenges of encroachment on Federal Government lands have slowed down, and in some cases halted, critical national development projects,” the Minister said.
He further commended the Police Force for its “professionalism, resilience, and outstanding service to the nation,” noting that improved welfare through housing would strengthen its capacity to safeguard lives and property.
IGP Egbetokun welcomed the President’s approval, describing it as a timely intervention to address one of the Force’s most pressing welfare needs.
“Welfare is central to the operational effectiveness of Police officers, and adequate affordable housing is a vital part of welfare,” the IGP stated. He pledged the commitment of the Police to fully support the housing project as well as the work of the proposed Task Force.
He stressed that the recovery of encroached government lands was a matter of urgent national importance, assuring that the Police would collaborate with the Ministry of Housing and other stakeholders to ensure success.
The reiterated its commitment to professionalism, excellence, and service to the nation while ensuring that the welfare of its officers and men remains a top priority.
