Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of security personnel in the state. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of 2,200 housing units for the Nigerian Police Force, Sanwo-Olu highlighted that the project would help address the long-standing challenges faced by police officers living in dilapidated barracks.
The housing project, set to rise on the demolished site of the Obalende barracks, will include a mix of one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and four-bedroom apartments, all equipped with modern amenities such as sewage systems, streetlights, and car parks. Sanwo-Olu emphasized that the initiative was part of his administration’s broader efforts to redevelop and regenerate the state in line with the THEMES Plus agenda, which focuses on providing sustainable, affordable housing for Lagosians.
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed pride in the decision to demolish the old barracks to make way for better living conditions for police personnel. He noted that ensuring officers live in safe and comfortable environments is a priority, and this step would prevent potential risks associated with the old barracks infrastructure. He also urged other state governments to adopt similar initiatives to improve the living conditions of police officers across the country.
The project, which is expected to be completed within two years, will provide a much-needed boost to the morale of police officers in Lagos, helping them carry out their duties more efficiently. Sanwo-Olu also announced that 21 housing estates have already been handed over to residents in different parts of the city as part of the government’s ongoing housing program.
Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, praised the Lagos State government for the initiative, acknowledging that many police barracks across Nigeria are over 50 years old and in poor condition. He expressed confidence that the new housing units would inspire officers to perform their duties with greater dedication. The housing project has already provided compensation and housing alternatives for the 4,400 police officers and their families who were evacuated from the old barracks.
