Police Welfare: IGP Egbetokun Commissions 10 Mobile Medical Clinics in Lagos

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Police Welfare: IGP Egbetokun Commissions 10 Mobile Medical Clinics in 

Story by Bright Onuegbu 

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by the Deputy Inspector-General, Training and Development, DIG Frank Mbah, has commissioned and officially handed over 10 state-of-the-art mobile medical clinics to the Nigerian Police Force.

The clinics, designed to improve the welfare and well-being of police officers, recruits, and trainers, were handed over at a well attended ceremony held at the Police Centtal Stores in Ikeja, Lagos State, and witnessed by the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP).

The event, according to Police authorities, is part of an ongoing Police Reform project generously funded by the Government of the Republic of Germany and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with GS-Foundation, who were physically represented at the event by their very senior officials.

Speaking at the event, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Nigeria, Annett Günther, remarked: “This handover exemplifies Germany’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s police force in its journey towards modernization and improved welfare standards. By addressing the healthcare needs of police personnel, we are investing in the stability and security of communities across Nigeria.”

Ms. Elsie Attafuah, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme stated: “These clinics are a testament to the power of partnership in delivering sustainable development. At UNDP, we believe that the well-being of individuals forms the bedrock of effective institutions. This initiative underscores our dedication to equipping the Nigeria Police Force with the tools and resources necessary for meaningful police services.”

Arno Langanke (retired Commissioner of Police, German) representative of Global Security-Sector-Reform Foundation Global Security-Sector-Reform Foundation stated: “The mobile container clinics we are officially handing over today are a product of an intense procurement process, that GS-Foundation was committed to. We are delighted that these clinics can now find their final destinations at the preselected police training schools to benefit both the NPF and the local population at the respective locations. We are confident that this project will provide a significant contribution to improving healthcare and emergency care in police training schools and surrounding communities.”

In his keynote address, the IG, speaking through DIG Mba, noted thay his administration will continue to see to the wellbeing of officers and men of the Force, stressing that a lot more is still in the offing for the Police under his command.

“These landmark contribution reaffirms our vision and shared commitment to a Police Force that is professionally competent, service-driven, and fully aligned with the principles of the rule of law. These mobile clinics symbolize more than just healthcare assets; they represent a significant advancement in the NPF’s Health Policy, prioritizing the mental and physical well-being of our officers. The impact of this reform project therefore extends beyond policing; it contributes to broader goals of human security, economic growth, and national development,” he said.

He further noted that “The mobile clinics, equipped with solar power systems, advanced medical equipment, furniture, patient beds, and other essential resources for full functionality, will be stationed at various Police Training Institutions nationwide. These facilities aim to ensure that officers and recruits have access to quality medical care as a way of prioritising their health and well-being as they undergo rigorous training.

“This initiative follows a comprehensive needs assessment conducted in 2022, during which the project team evaluated the conditions of NPF training institutions. The findings highlighted critical gaps in infrastructure and the urgent need for investments to make these facilities fit-for-purpose. In response, these solar-powered mobile clinics were developed as a tangible step toward addressing these needs.”

The Police Reform project has seen significant milestones in its efforts to enhance police capacity and welfare. In September 2023, the initiative successfully delivered a 2,000-capacity mobile barracks to the Nigeria Police Force, addressing critical accommodation challenges for officers on field deployment exercises across the country.

The handover represents another step forward in ensuring that police officers and recruits operate in an environment that supports their health, safety, and productivity, just as the facilities reflect the commitment of all partners involved to strengthening the NPF through targeted investments in infrastructure and