BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
The Nigeria Police has requested for logistics support to reposition the Highway Patrol Unit given the recent nationwide surge in theft and vandalism of vital road infrastructure.
Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu made the plea during a courtsey visit to the Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi in Abuja.
The discussions focused on improving security around major road projects, deepening inter-agency cooperation, and advancing national developmental objectives.
Disu praised the minister for transformating the road sector, describing roads as vital links of national unity, economic growth, social interaction, and public safety.
According to the IGP, roads not only connect communities but also create employment opportunities, stimulate commerce, and contribute to crime reduction by expanding economic activities for citizens.
He stated that the visit was aimed at reinforcing collaboration and synergy between the ministry and the Nigeria Police to ensure improved transportation safety and enhanced security across Federal roads.
Disu noted that some of the ongoing road projects have attracted national and international attention due to their economic, tourist, and sporting potentials, stressing that improved infrastructure would open up opportunities for tourism, commerce, sports, and other socioeconomic activities across the country.
He pledged the readiness of the Force to strengthen security presence along major highways and critical project corridors nationwide, emphasising that effective security on the highways remains essential for sustainable national development and economic stability.
The minister appreciated the IGP and NPF for their continued support in securing ongoing and completed road projects, particularly in areas experiencing security challenges.
Umahi lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its impact on road infrastructure across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigeria Police to safeguard critical national infrastructure and improve security along major highways.
Umahi described the IGP as a dependable, disciplined, and professional officer, whose dedication to service continues to strengthen public confidence in the organisation.
He endorsed the proactive security initiatives introduced under the IGP’s leadership, describing them as timely measures capable of enhancing peace, public safety, and national stability.
The minister insisted that the success of the Federal Government’s ambitious road development agenda would not have been possible without the commitment and sacrifices of security agencies working tirelessly to protect project sites, personnel, and equipment, as well as installed furnishings such as solar panels, lights, batteries, and poles and reinforcements to road medians and CCTV systems.
He noted that many strategic road projects, particularly in insecurity-prone areas, would have been difficult to execute without the support and sacrifices of officers and men of the Nigeria Police and other security agencies.
The minister highlighted the ongoing four Renewed Hope Legacy Road Projects and other strategic infrastructure developments executed across the country, noting that no geopolitical zone has been left behind in the Federal Government’s development agenda, under President Tinubu.
He applauded the President’s determination to reposition Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape, explaining that government borrowings are strategically directed toward economically viable and critical infrastructure projects capable of improving transportation, boosting commerce, and enhancing the quality of life of Nigerians.
The minister explained that the current administration had adopted reinforced concrete pavement technology on several strategic road projects to ensure durability and long-term value, adding that many of the completed roads are designed to serve Nigerians for decades with minimal maintenance.
Already, the ministry has commenced the integration of modern security features into major infrastructure projects, including surveillance systems, observation facilities, rest stations, and collaborative response mechanisms with security agencies along strategic highways.
Umahi proposed the integration of a dedicated police security architecture into highway development plans, including designated security checkpoints, patrol bases, and operational centres to support intelligence gathering and emergency response along major road corridors and construction sites.
Minister of State for Works, Hon. Bello M. Goronyo, Esq., praised the IGP for his leadership and untiring dedication to national security, stressing the need for security support on all ongoing infrastructure development, especially with several strategic road projects currently underway across the country.
He noted that improved collaboration between the ministry and security agencies remains essential for protecting workers, equipment, and communities along project corridors.
Goronyo stated that President Tinubu has continued to provide the necessary budgetary support to enable the ministry to execute numerous road projects nationwide, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to delivering quality roads capable of driving economic growth, connectivity, and national integration.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Rafiu Adeladan commended the existing collaboration between the ministry, office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), and other security agencies in protecting critical national infrastructure across the country.
He noted that huge investments have been committed to road infrastructure development nationwide, echoing the need for sustained protection of the national assets to ensure their long-term value and impact on the lives of Nigerians.
The visit underscored the Force's commitment under the leadership of the IGP to strengthening strategic collaboration with the ministry to protect critical infrastructure and ensure safer highways across the country.
This was contained in a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed in Abuja.
Comments
Post a Comment