LocationsBy Napoleon Enayaba, Programme Specialist Rule of Law and Human Rights
Investing in Health and Police Reform: UNDP Hands Over 10 Mobile Clinics to the Nigeria Police Force
March 6, 2025
In a historic step toward improving the welfare and operational capacity of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Global Security-Sector-Reform Foundation (GS-Foundation) and with generous funding from the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO), handed over 10 state-of-the-art mobile medical clinics to the NPF. The handover took place at the Nigeria Police College Ikeja on 19th December in Lagos, Nigeria. This initiative reflects a steadfast commitment to addressing the health and welfare challenges police officers often face, particularly those in training schools across Nigeria.
This great milestone aligns with the overarching goals of the Supporting Police Accountability and Transformation Project (SPAAT), a flagship initiative under the UNDP development framework. SPAAT aims to empower the NPF to deliver professional, rights-respecting law enforcement services that prioritize community safety and individual dignity.
A Transformative Vision: Background on SPAAT
The SPAAT project is the cornerstone of Nigeria’s Police Reform agenda, addressing critical gaps in training, accountability, public trust and policies. At the heart of this initiative lies Outcome 2, which articulates a vision where, “The Nigeria Police Force is better able to deliver quality training and development that adequately prepares officers to respond to today’s security challenges and the safety and security needs and rights of people and communities, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized.”
With this guiding principle, SPAAT has implemented a series of targeted interventions designed to enhance the professionalism and operational efficiency of the NPF. These efforts include comprehensive training programs, investments in modern infrastructure, and the provision of essential tools and resources to improve both officer welfare and community relations.
Officers and staff inside the mobile clinic
Enhancing Healthcare for Police Officers and Communities
The handover of these mobile clinics represents a critical addition to the health and welfare infrastructure supporting Nigeria’s Police Force. Police training schools are the foundation of professional development and the fountain of cultural impaction - equipping recruits and officers with the skills necessary to meet the complex demands of modern law enforcement. However, these institutions often face resource constraints resulting in a deplorable state of the schools, including inadequate healthcare facilities.
With Nigeria’s government planning to recruit 30,000 new police officers annually over the next five years, alongside the 13,000 recruits undergoing training and ongoing retraining of serving personnel, the strain on existing facilities is expected to intensify. These mobile clinics address this challenge head-on, ensuring that recruits, trainers, and surrounding communities can access high-quality healthcare services.
Expanding the Capacity of Training Schools
The deployment of these mobile clinics builds upon SPAAT’s earlier successes, such as the 2023 handover of a 2,000-bed capacity mobile barracks to the NPF and renovations done at the Police Staff College in Jos, Police Detective College Enugu and Police Training School in Iperu. These efforts alleviated critical accommodation shortages in training schools, creating a more conducive environment for learning and development.
In addition to accommodation, SPAAT has equipped training institutions with cutting-edge technology, solar water systems, and modern communication tools. These resources have transformed the landscape of police training, ensuring that officers are well-prepared to address contemporary security challenges.
The clinics, designed with prefabricated materials, offer unique advantages. They are cost-effective, durable, and easy to deploy. Most importantly, their mobility allows them to be relocated to areas where healthcare services are most needed, enabling the NPF to respond dynamically to shifting priorities. This adaptability aligns with Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun’s reform agenda, which emphasizes a responsive and resourceful Police Force.
The handover of these mobile clinics represents a critical addition to the health and welfare infrastructure supporting Nigeria’s Police Force.
A Holistic Approach to Police Welfare
The introduction of these mobile clinics underscores a broader commitment to building a humane and professional Police Force. By addressing health challenges proactively, the clinics help reduce absenteeism among officers, improve morale, and foster a sense of pride and dignity within the force.
Moreover, the clinics serve as a bridge between the police and the communities they serve. By providing healthcare services in under-resourced areas, they enhance public trust and demonstrate the NPF’s dedication to the well-being of all Nigerians.
A Legacy of Reform and Partnership
The handover of these mobile clinics is more than an operational milestone; it is a testament to the power of collaboration. The partnership between UNDP, GS-Foundation, GFFO, and the NPF exemplifies how coordinated efforts can drive meaningful change.
Looking ahead, these clinics will play a vital role in supporting Nigeria’s ambitious recruitment and training agenda, ensuring that training schools are equipped to provide humane and effective conditions for learning. They also symbolize a commitment to sustainability, with robust asset management systems in place to maintain these resources for years to come.
As Nigeria continues its journey toward police reform, initiatives like SPAAT demonstrate the impact of targeted investments in health, training, and welfare. Together, we are building a police force that not only protects but also inspires trust, confidence, and pride among its officers and the communities they serve.
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