President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised police personnel in the country that going forward his administration will ensure that their salaries and benefits reflect the gravity of the responsibilities and the risks they face on a daily basis.
He made the promise while speaking on Monday during the maiden edition of the National Police Day celebrations which climaxed a week-long activities to mark the 2025 Police Week at the Eagle Square in Abuja.
The president formally announced the institutionalisation of April 7 every year as National Police Day to honour fallen heroes of the force and also acknowledged the heroics of its personnel.
President Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, declared the administration’s steadfast dedication to the welfare and empowerment of the Nigeria Police Force. “A secure Nigeria is vital for our collective prosperity, and this vision begins with ensuring that our police force is well-equipped, well-trained, and well-motivated.
The president outlined decisive measures his administration is currently putting in place to immediately engender an effective and formidable police force, including provision of modern tools and technology to enhance the operations of the force, as well as adequate accommodations, accessible healthcare and quality education for families of police personnel.
“In this light, we are taking decisive steps to improve the conditions under which our police officers serve. Adequate housing, accessible healthcare, and quality education for your children are priorities we are committed to fulfilling.
“These promises will begin to materialise immediately. We are also determined to equip you with modern tools and technology to enhance your effectiveness in combating crime. Furthermore, we will ensure that your salaries and benefits reflect the gravity of your responsibilities and the risks you face daily. Anything less would be unacceptable,” he stated.
President Tinubu assured Nigerians that his government “will leave no stone unturned in ensuring effective policing, the safety of lives and property, and the resolution of internal security challenges such as banditry, insurgency, and kidnapping”, adding that the administration remains resolute in its mission to restore peace and security across all regions of the country.
Emphasising the role of the Nigeria Police Force, he described the force as a cornerstone of the nation’s security, the first line of defence against crime.
He commended the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, and his team for what he described as “their remarkable work in advancing reforms in line with the administration’s goals.
Earlier, IGP Egbetokun said beyond commemoration of the day of the establishment of the Nigeria Police Force, the National Police Day offered opportunity to remember fallen heroes and also acknowledged the heroics of men and women of the police in theatres of operation across the country and beyond.
