I-G promises befitting accommodation for DIGs, others

The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Usman Baba, has promised to deliver befitting world-class accommodation for officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force to enhance service delivery.

Baba made the pledge during the groundbreaking of the redevelopment of DIG Quarters under Public Private Partnership (PPP) between Nigeria Police and Cosgrove Limited.

He said the building, which is the highest police quarters in terms of luxury, serenity and nearness to the Force Headquarters,  was the oldest of all police quarters in Abuja.

The I-G said the redevelopment was to redeem the houses from total dilapidation and sustain its usage to accommodate top police officers.

He said he was privileged to live in the quarters when he was the Force Secretary for two years, and had to battle with the issue of leakages due to dilapidation.

“During rainy season, I will be looking for bowls and dishes to place where leakages are taking place because everything about that building has become old, archaic, non-functional and the building has even become a bungalow.”

He said the houses no longer deserved living as members of the Police Force Management Team and the most senior police officers.

“We were able to move around Abuja and see because when we said we are going to do partnership, many people came.

“The real and the unreal, the imaginary and the imagined, those that will start and cannot complete by assumption and those that are just ready.

“Cosgrove is one of the best around here in providing accommodation and we believe we deserve good working environment and also a place to retire after working.

“That is why we are trying to remodel our police stations, divisions, headquarters and also our places of abode.

“We have done it successfully in one or two places. We are going to do it in many other places and that is why we are not also going to be bringing partnerships always.

“We have a construction company, so we know our capacity and there are things we can do with our own construction company with the small guidance and partnership with other developers.

“My intention is not to stop here. I’ve already started in Lagos. We are going to do it in that place directly with our company and the state government.

“When I was shown the number of barracks and police buildings that have been earmarked as dilapidated, it is dangerous place to live.

“Whatever name you can give in Lagos, it is not place where human beings are supposed to live in, let alone of police officers, law enforcement officers,” he said.

Baba said the police under his command would leave a legacy of service worthy of emulation.

The Chief Executive Officer, Cosgrove, Mr Umar Abdullahi, said the company participated diligently in the rigorous PPP process, adding that it was an opportunity for them to contribute to the growth and development of the nation.

He promised to deliver the project in compliance with the PPP agreement.

“This project will be delivered using the best cutting edge solutions that we are known for.

“The chosen PPP arrangement is a design, finance, build, lease and transfer and the project will consist of minimum of 39 units of six bedroom gated villas with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities,” he added.