The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has committed about N694 million to relocate 347 policemen and their families from dilapidated barracks in the Falomo area of Lagos state.
The move is part of efforts by the police authority to redevelop all police barracks across the country into a more befitting and modern accommodations for its personnel.
The Lagos State government had in May 2023, issued a 90-day ultimatum to owners of 349 distressed buildings in the state to either re-engineer or remove the buildings.
Following the move by the state government, the police, same year, expressed willingness to renovate all its barracks.
There have been outcry among some individuals alleging the sale of their barracks in the state to some powerful individuals.
But reacting to the allegation, the police authority, on Tuesday, said the claims on the sale of Falomo barracks land is misleading.
Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed that the occupants of Falomo Barracks Blocks A and B have each received a sum of N2 million as temporary relocation allowance, adding that the payment had been made to 347 families after a validation process to facilitate their temporary relocation.
Adejobi stated that it had become pertinent for the NPF to address the shocking and unfounded trends of discussions on dilapidated status of barracks and their redevelopment, specifically the Falomo Barracks and others in Lagos.
“While we appreciate the concerns and interests of concerned groups and individuals on the general welfare of police personnel, we aim to provide clear and accurate information about these unpalatable allegations.
“Due to the critical state of several police barracks (including the Falomo Barracks) the NPF leadership conceived a partnership arrangement with sub-national governments and reputable developers to unlock value in the assets by redeveloping the barracks into more befitting and modern barracks – with complementary facilities and modern infrastructure.
“The redevelopment of the barracks (including Falomo Barracks) is set to be speedily completed after which the occupants will be duly offered fresh accommodation in the redeveloped sites. In specific terms, the occupants of Falomo Barracks Blocks A and B have each received a sum of Two Million Naira (N2,000,000) only as temporary relocation allowance. This payment has been made to 347 families after a validation process to facilitate their temporary relocation.
“It is important to note that this initiative is not limited to Falomo Barracks alone. Similar redevelopment projects will be implemented across all police barracks nationwide over time. This is a strategic effort to improve the living conditions of our officers and their families, which is a key focus of the current police administration.
“The claims that the Barracks are being vacated and the pieces of land sold are false, mischievous, and a calculated attempt to cause unnecessary discord within the ranks of the NPF. The improvement of these facilities is a priority for the Nigeria Police Force; and steps are being taken to address the issues effectively,” he added.
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