The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says as part of efforts to tackle the issue of affordable housing, one of the most pressing problems facing its officers, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has initiated the first-ever Nigeria Police Housing Summit.
This it said is to engender an efficient, effective, well-trained and highly motivated workforce, with deliberate efforts aimed at improving the capacity and welfare of all officers and men of the Force.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi made this known in a statement made available to Thelensng on Saturday, April, 20, 2024.
The Summit, scheduled for the 22nd-23rd of April 2024 at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja, he said, would mark a significant step towards addressing the housing needs of police personnel across the country.
“Housing has long been a challenge for many officers within the Nigeria Police Force, with inadequate accommodation often affecting their well-being and performance on duty. Recognizing this critical issue, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has made it a top priority to ensure that every police officer has access to decent and affordable housing.
“The Nigeria Police Housing Summit is a crucial event aimed at addressing the housing needs and challenges faced by the men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
“The summit would bring together stakeholders from various sectors including government officials, housing experts, real estate developers, financial institutions, and community organizations to explore innovative solutions to the housing crisis facing police officers”, the statement partly read.
According to the Police spokesperson, the ultimate goal is to foster discussions and devise strategies that will help improve the living conditions of Police Officers, in recognition of the essential role they play in community safety.
“The Police Housing Summit hopes to address housing affordability and possible partnerships with private developers to provide cost-effective housing solutions that meet the unique needs of police officers and their families and improve the quality and safety of housing, creating an environment that is conducive to the mental and physical wellness of these officers.
“Key Discussions at the Summit would include the various financial models and support systems that can be leveraged to assist in housing Police Officers affordably, creating and adapting policies that would facilitate better housing solutions for the Officers.
“The Police Housing Summit serves as a critical platform for addressing the often-overlooked aspect of our Officer’s well-being, which is their living conditions. By focusing on this area, the summit contributes not only to the welfare of the officers but also to the broader goal of community safety and cohesion.
“As Nigeria strives towards building a safer and more secure society, it is imperative that the men and women of the Nigeria Police Force are adequately housed and supported in their duties”.
Adejobi explained further that the Nigeria Police Housing Summit represents a bold and proactive step towards fulfilling this goal, demonstrating the commitment of IGP Egbetokun and the Nigeria Police Force to the well-being of its officers and their families.
He added that the launch of the Nigeria Police Housing Summit heralds a new era of collaboration and innovation in addressing the housing needs of police officers.
“Through collective effort and determination, we can bridge the gap in affordable housing and ensure that every officer has a place to call home”.
