The House of Representatives has decided to halt the planned eviction of police personnel from barracks intended for renovation and reconstruction under a Public Private Partnership.
This resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance presented by Rep. Kwamoti Laori (PDP Adamawa) during Thursday’s plenary session in Abuja.
In his presentation, Laori urged the suspension of the eviction pending an investigation into previous attempts to implement the policy by the former Inspector General of Police. He highlighted that over N5 billion had been spent on barracks renovation since 2019 without any visible improvements or tangible results.
Laori emphasized that police officers and their families deserve decent housing, contrasting the current state of dilapidated structures with large cracks and leaking roofs, which are “only fit for lizards and reptiles.”
He pointed out the deteriorating welfare of police officers, stressing the need to revisit the issue of police housing. Laori recalled that a former Inspector General’s directive to vacate 25 police barracks in Lagos for renovation led to the displacement of thousands of officers and their families, causing significant humanitarian, psychological, and security concerns.
He raised concerns about the directive being a possible scheme to sell off the property, disregarding the welfare of police personnel.
The House adopted the motion and resolved that the House Committee on Police Affairs and Public Asset should review the report of the ad hoc Committee on Police Reform Bill constituted in October 2023. They also resolved to revisit previous resolutions on the matter.
Additionally, the House mandated the Committee on Police Affairs and Legislative Compliance to ensure adherence to the resolution and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
