By Evelyn Usman

The Nigeria Police yesterday, received ten state-of-the-art mobile medical clinics designed to improve the welfare and well-being of police officers, recruits, and trainers. 

The mobile clinics, equipped with solar power systems, advanced medical equipment, furniture, patient beds, and other essential resources for full functionality, is part of an ongoing Police Reform project  funded by the Government of the Republic of Germany and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with GS-Foundation.

Speaking at the handover ceremony held at the Nigeria Police Central Stores, Ikeja, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Nigeria, Annett Günther, who was represented by the Deputy Consul General, Consolate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, Gerald Wolf, reaffirmed his government ‘s commitment to supporting the Nigeria Police . 

The event according to him, marked  a significant step towards modernizing the Nigeria Police , as well as enhancing welfare standards. 

He said ” This handover exemplifies Germany’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s Police Force in its journey towards modernization and improved welfare standards. By addressing the healthcare needs of police personnel, we are investing in the stability and security of communities across Nigeria.”

Receiving the mobile clinics, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, described the initiative as another remarkable milestone in advancing the goals of the  reform project.

The IGP who was represented by the Deputy Inspector- General of Police, Training and Development, DIG Frank Mba, added that the delivery was not merely a gesture of goodwill but a strategic investment in the well-being of police officers, trainees, and, by extension, the communities  served. He The assets according to him, would be deployed across ten police training institutions nationwide, for a holistic development within the Force.

He said: ” This intervention builds upon the successes recorded in the reform project over recent years. In 2023, the delivery of a 2,000 bed capacity mobile barracks significantly alleviated accommodation challenges in our training schools. 

“Furthermore, over 1,500 police personnel, including 600 instructors, have undergone advanced training in contemporary policing practices, with an emphasis on human rights, ethical policing, and community engagement.

“Additionally, the introduction of the Women Police Leadership Programme stands as testament to our resolve in promoting gender inclusion within the Force. This initiative strengthens our capacity to combat sexual and gender-based violence while fostering a culture of equality in our organizational framework.

“As we receive these mobile clinics today, I want to assure our development partners and all stakeholders of the NPF’s unwavering commitment to their optimal utilization, maintenance, and sustainability. Historically, one of the challenges we have faced has been the inadequate funding for the upkeep of police infrastructure,leading to the deterioration of critical assetsassets”.

Earlier in his remark, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme , Paul Turayi, described the mobile clinics  as “a testament to the power of partnership in delivering sustainable development. At UNDP, we believe that the well-being of individuals forms the bedrock of effective institutions. This initiative underscores our dedication to equipping the Nigeria Police Force with the tools and resources necessary for meaningful police services.”

Also speaking, representative of Global Security-Sector-Reform Foundation, Arno Langanke (a retired Commissioner of Police, German) stated “The mobile container clinics we are officially handing over today are a product of an intense procurement process, that GS-Foundation was committed to. We are delighted that these clinics can now find their final destinations at the preselected police training schools to benefit both the NPF and the local population at the respective locations. We are confident that this project will provide a significant contribution to improving healthcare and emergency care in police training schools and surrounding communities.”