In compliance with the Lagos State Government’s recommendations on the poor condition of some police barracks that failed the structural integrity test, the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali, on Wednesday, announced plans to reconstruct 25 dilapidated barracks and facilities in the state.
The Force Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, while addressing journalists at a press briefing at the command headquarters in the Ikeja, said the initiative by the IG would address the long-standing issue of poor and dilapidated infrastructures within facilities occupied by police personnel.
He explained that the IG’s infrastructural development drives had led to the construction of over 198 projects, including more than 120 modern police stations, barracks, and other vital police buildings around the country.
Adejobi said, “In full compliance with the Lagos State Government’s recommendations on the poor condition of some police barracks that do not match up to the structural integrity test, the Nigeria Police Force has deemed it necessary to carry out the demolition, redevelopment and reconstruction of 25 police barracks and facilities in Lagos State.
“We have taken a proactive approach towards the redevelopment and regeneration of these important establishments, and anticipate the positive outcomes associated with this venture. The renovations will provide the much-needed modern amenities and enhance the condition of living and dignity of police officers.”
Adejobi said the affected barracks are Ijeh Police Barracks, Obalende Highway Police Barracks, Ikeja, K9 Police Barracks, Keffi Street, South-West, Ikoyi, Falomo Police Barracks (A and B), Ikoyi, Bar Beach Police Barracks, Victoria Island, MOPOL 20 Barracks, Ikeja, Women Police Barracks, Obalende, MOPOL 2 Police Barracks, Keffi Street, South-West, Ikoyi.
“Mounted Troop, Ribadu Road, Ikoyi, Queen Barracks, Apapa, FPRO Annex Office and Barracks, Ijora Olopa, Iponrin Police Barracks, Surulere, Adekunle Police Barracks, Yaba, Federal Highway Patrol Office, Yaba, Alausa Police Barracks, Ikeja, Mounted Troop, Ikeja, Okesuna Police Barracks, Obalende, McCarthy Barracks, Obalende.
“Force Headquarters Annex, Obalende, Obalende Police Barracks, Obalende, Bourdillon Police Barracks, Ikoyi, New Staff Quarters, Ikeja, Elere Police Barracks, Agege, Onikan Officers Mess, Ikoyi, Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU), Milberton Street, Ikoyi.”
He explained that the IG announced plans for a series of sensitisation and relocation efforts for police personnel living in the affected barracks between May 1 and May 31, 2023, adding that a directive had been issued to those living in the affected barracks to be issued a one-month notice to vacate their accommodation spaces.
He added, “The IGP’s directive is that all currently residing and legally-seated residents of any of the affected barracks will receive a maximum sum of money equaling the rental cost for the location of their barracks for two years, to aid them in acquiring alternative accommodation options throughout the period of reconstruction.
“Upon the successful completion of these living arrangements, a formal notice to vacate will be issued. The IGP has assured that all officers who are on active service and living in these barracks legally shall receive the keys to the new structures upon completion of the development of the improved housing area.”
Credit: punchng.com
