Enugu CP, Mamnan Bitrus Giwa, NPTF Executive Secretary, Alhaji Mohammed Sheidu and others at the ground breaking ceremony of the construction of Police quarters,at Ozalla Police station, Enugu, yesterday.
From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
The Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has decried the poor condition of police quarters across the state and appealed to the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) to intervene to reverse the situation.
CP Giwa made the appeal during the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of a six-man rank-and-file quarters at Ozalla Police Station in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State on Tuesday, January 13.
While commending the NPTF for its intervention at the Ozalla Police Station, the commissioner noted that similar challenges exist in virtually all police quarters across Enugu State.
Speaking on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, CP Giwa praised the Board and Management of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund for embarking on the construction of a new and befitting police quarters at Ozalla.
He stated that the IGP was particularly pleased that the intervention was coming at a time when the Federal Government, under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, had prioritised comprehensive reforms in the Nigeria Police Force, especially in key areas of welfare and improved working conditions nationwide.
According to him, “This infrastructural development by the NPTF, being one of its core mandates, will go a long way in enhancing the working environment of police officers in the Ozalla community and Enugu State at large. More importantly, it will significantly boost morale, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen the commitment of the benefiting officers to their constitutional duties.”
He added that “It is therefore the assurance of the Inspector-General of Police that the Nigeria Police Force will provide all necessary support to the Nigeria Police Trust Fund to ensure that this project is completed within record time and deployed for its intended purpose. He also enjoins the contractors and engineers handling the project to uphold the highest standards of quality, professionalism, and Integrity throughout the construction process.”
CP Giwa further appealed for the extension of similar interventions to other police formations in the state.
He said, “On our part, while expressing our deep appreciation for the conception and commencement of this project, the Enugu State Command, like Oliver Twist, respectfully requests the Trust Fund to kindly extend this noble intervention to other police facilities across the State. Of particular concern is the existing six-man rank-and-file quarters adjacent to this site, which is in a seriously dilapidated condition and requires urgent renovation.”
Continuing, he noted, “In addition, the Agbani Area Command, which oversees the Ozalla Division and six other Divisions, is presently housed in a structure grossly unbefitting of an Area Command Headquarters.”
He stressed further that “Therefore an urgent need for the construction of a purpose-built and befitting Headquarters for the Area Command. Several other divisional and area command offices and barracks across the State similarly require attention.”
He concluded by stating, “Consequently, we sincerely request that the Trust Fund, in collaboration with the Officer-in-Charge of Works of the Enugu State Command, undertakes an on-the-spot assessment of these facilities to guide future remedial interventions.”
In his address, the Executive Secretary of the NPTF, Alhaji Mohammed Sheidu, said, “The construction of this 6-man rank and file accommodation here in Ozalla, Nkanu West Local Government Area, along the Enugu–Port Harcourt Road, is part of our deliberate effort to address the long-standing accommodation gap faced by police personnel across the country.”
He explained that “This gap has affected morale, efficiency, and overall well-being, and we have taken it upon ourselves to begin finding practical, sustainable solutions.”
Alhaji Sheidu also acknowledged the Enugu State Government, saying, “I wish to specially acknowledge and thank the Enugu State Government for the provision of this site. The land given to us here is not just a parcel of land—it is a symbol of partnership, trust, and shared responsibility. It reflects the Governor’s commitment to security and to improving the welfare of those who protect our communities.”
He emphasised the importance of officers’ welfare, noting that “At the Nigerian Police Trust Fund, we strongly believe that a well-housed police officer is a more motivated, more focused, and more effective police officer. This project is therefore not just about buildings; it is about dignity, stability, and creating an enabling environment for our officers and their families.”
According to him, “This development also forms part of a broader, nationwide intervention by the Trust Fund, which includes the construction and rehabilitation of police barracks, training institutions, operational infrastructure, and welfare-focused projects, implemented in collaboration with states, communities, and strategic partners.”
He assured stakeholders that “As we break ground today, I want to assure the people of Enugu State and the Nigeria Police Force that this project will be delivered with transparency, quality, and speed. We remain committed to ensuring value for money and lasting impact.”
