FG awards contracts to rehabilitate 13 police training institutions

The Federal Government has awarded contracts for the rehabilitation of 13 police training institutions across the country as part of efforts to strengthen the capacity of the Nigeria Police Force.

The development was disclosed by Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, while briefing journalists after the 158th meeting of the National Economic Council at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The meeting, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, received an update on efforts to upgrade the facilities ahead of the commencement of fresh police training programmes.

Aiyedatiwa said contracts had been awarded for the rehabilitation of all 13 institutions, adding that 80 per cent of the contractors had already received their award letters.

He said the rehabilitation was expected to be completed within three weeks to enable the police begin training activities at the facilities.

“The council was made to understand that contracts have been awarded for the rehabilitation of the 13 police training institutions. And 80 per cent of contractors have received their award letters,” the governor said.

According to him, the government was working to accelerate the release of funds required for the contractors to commence the rehabilitation works.

Aiyedatiwa stressed that improving police training facilities had become necessary amid the country’s security challenges and ongoing discussions around state policing.

He said properly trained personnel and adequate facilities were essential to maintaining minimum standards across the police force.

“You are all aware that the insecurity in the country and our police force have to be trained further,” he said.

The governor added that the rehabilitation would cover the infrastructure and equipment needed to provide effective training for police personnel.

Also speaking, Enugu State Deputy Governor, Ifeanyi Ossai, said the Minister of Finance had assured the council that funds for the contractors would be released next week.

Ossai said the government expected the contractors to deliver the projects promptly, stressing that training and retraining of police personnel would remain a priority.

He also called on Nigerians to cooperate with the police and support efforts to improve security across the country.