Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, performed the groundbreaking of 2,200 Police housing units at Ijeh Police Barracks, Ikoyi, Lagos.
He stated that the housing project, which is in partnership with the Lagos State Government and the Nigeria Police Force, is a step forward in the government’s efforts toward strengthening the morale and productivity of the security personnel.
The project will consist of commercial and residential properties of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, maisonettes and townhouse units with paved roads, drainages, sewage tanks, water treatment plant, street lights, car park and electrification plants, among others.
Speaking during the groundbreaking, Sanwo-Olu said the collaboration brought together the Nigeria Police Force and Lagos State to create a joint venture that aligns public needs with private-sector efficiency and redefines the standard of living for police officers.
He assured that the project would be completed in the next two years, urging other state governments to emulate the template to rebuild all police barracks across the country.
He said, “This transformative redevelopment project to provide 2,200 modern housing units at the Ijeh Police Barracks, Obalende, is part of an intervention aimed at bridging the housing deficit and providing modern, safe housing and a conducive living environment for the officers of the Nigeria Police Force and their families all over the country.
“We have been constructing housing units in various locations within the State to enhance our contribution towards the achievement of the Urban Renewal Initiative, and now with the redevelopment of the Nigeria Police Barracks, we are happy that no one will be left behind when it comes to the provision of adequate housing. Addressing this challenge required innovation and partnerships.
“This project reaffirms our commitment to building a Lagos that works for everyone. It is a Lagos where security personnel, who dedicate their lives to our safety, can live together with their families in unity and with dignity and pride.”
Speaking earlier, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who was excited about the housing project, acknowledged that most Police barracks across the country are in dilapidated states as they were constructed over 50 years ago.
He expressed optimism that the new Police housing units would motivate officers to serve Lagosians more efficiently with a promise to personally supervise the project.
“The construction of the new barracks, which groundbreaking ceremony is taking place here today in Lagos, is a testament to our commitment to providing our officers with a safe, comfortable, and modern living environment.
“This new facility will not only improve the welfare of our officers but also enhance their ability to serve and protect our community,” Egbetokun said.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, disclosed that 4,400 police officers evacuated from the demolished barracks have been compensated and relocated to safe abodes pending when the project is completed