By Adewole Kehinde
The recent approval of N100 billion by the National Economic Council (NEC) for the rehabilitation of training institutions belonging to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies marks a decisive step toward strengthening the nation’s security architecture.
This laudable intervention, reached at NEC’s 154th virtual meeting, demonstrates a renewed commitment to professionalising the security sector at a time when Nigeria urgently needs a more capable, well-trained, and accountable security workforce.
The decision followed the submission of a crucial report by an ad hoc committee chaired by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, who led a comprehensive assessment of security training facilities nationwide.
The committee’s findings were grim: many of the training institutions across the country were in severe disrepair, lacking basic infrastructure, essential equipment, and modern teaching tools. These deteriorating conditions, if left unaddressed, would continue to undermine the efficiency, discipline, and operational readiness of Nigeria’s security personnel.
It is in this context that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves commendation for his timely and visionary intervention. Long before this approval, President Tinubu had, at the 152nd NEC meeting in October, proposed a holistic nationwide overhaul of security training schools. That foresight set the tone for coordinated action, paving the way for the funding approval that has now materialised.
His commitment reflects an understanding that effective security is rooted not merely in equipment or manpower, but in capacity building, the training, retraining, and continuous development of those entrusted with the safety of lives and property.
There is no doubt that the poor state of security training centres has, over the years, weakened the nation’s policing and security response.
When the foundational institutions responsible for moulding officers are dilapidated, outdated, or ill-equipped, the result is a ripple effect of inefficiency across the entire security system. Addressing this challenge cannot, and should not, be delayed any further.
In the Nigeria Police Force, Inspector General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has shown exemplary leadership by making the rehabilitation of police training institutions a priority of his administration.
This aligns perfectly with NEC’s new funding initiative. Under IGP Egbetokun’s watch, the restoration and upgrading of training facilities are not merely infrastructural projects but investments into the professionalism, discipline, and operational competence of police personnel.
A modernised training environment will ensure that officers receive consistent, high-quality instruction, grounded in evidence-based practices, modern policing strategies, and strong legal frameworks.
Such consistency is essential for building a police force that is not only effective but also accountable and trusted by citizens.
The approval of N100 billion is therefore more than a budgetary allocation; it is a national security strategy. It signals a commitment to long-term stability by tackling one of the root causes of inefficiency in the security sector: poor training infrastructure.
As Nigeria continues to confront complex security challenges, this renewed investment in human capacity development stands as a beacon of hope. NEC, President Tinubu, Governor Peter Mbah, and IGP Egbetokun have collectively demonstrated what proactive leadership looks like.
This is the kind of bold, forward-thinking action the country needs.
Adewole Kehinde is a public affairs analyst based in Abuja. 08166240846, kennyadewole@gmail.com @kennyadewole
