The federal government has reaffirmed commitment to modernising the Nigeria Police Force through partnerships, digital infrastructure deployment and adoption of emerging technologies.

The minister of communications, innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, disclosed this at a partnership signing in Abuja on Wednesday.

The agreement aims to strengthen policing systems and enhance national security nationwide.

Mr Tijani said a modern, well-resourced police force remained vital to stability, noting effective policing would boost public trust, business confidence and economic growth.

“Security is essential to every society. Where policing is strong, people trust more, businesses invest, and citizens act with confidence,” he said.

He said ongoing economic reforms aimed to build a productive future, stressing that reliable security architecture was necessary for success.

Mr Tijani said the partnership would map police stations nationwide to determine proximity to fibre optic points of presence.

According to him, this will identify stations easily connected to broadband infrastructure, improving communication, data sharing and operational efficiency.

He said the exercise would also help maximise existing investments in fibre networks already deployed across the country.

Mr Tijani cited Galaxy Backbone infrastructure, noting such assets could connect police facilities without excessive new costs.

He reiterated plans to roll out 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables, with points of presence expected in over 7,000 wards.

He said mapping would influence network design to prioritise proximity to police stations, improving accessibility and infrastructure protection.

On data management, Mr Tijani said government, with international partners, was developing a data exchange system for seamless inter-agency information sharing.

He said the police would benefit, adding improved interconnectivity would enable real-time data exchange between commands and headquarters.

Mr Tijani stressed the importance of artificial intelligence in policing and urged agencies to adopt advanced tools against evolving criminal threats.

He said AI systems could assist in recording and transcribing statements, especially for individuals unable to write.

According to him, such tools would support multiple Nigerian languages and accents, ensuring accuracy and inclusivity.

“This will reduce misrepresentation risks and improve the integrity of statements taken at police stations,” he said.

Mr Tijani said the partnership would also prioritise capacity building to equip officers with skills to operate digital tools effectively.

He expressed optimism that training programmes and initial implementation phases would commence within a short period.

In his remarks, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Mohammed Sheidu, described the partnership as long anticipated.

Mr Sheidu said the collaboration would transform police operations and improve service delivery nationwide.

He said modernising the force required support from the communications ministry, particularly in digital infrastructure and innovation.

According to him, the agreement will improve efficiency, public trust and coordination within the police.

He said the partnership would deploy smart policing solutions, including digital police stations and advanced communication technologies.

“Today is not just about signing an MoU; it is about cementing a long-awaited partnership.

“There is no way to achieve smart policing without this collaboration. The ministry has outlined a clear roadmap, and we are aligned,” he said.

Mr Sheidu commended Mr Tijani and his team, describing the initiative as one that would significantly enhance national security.

The partnership is expected to improve policing capacity, service delivery and public confidence in law enforcement. 

(NAN)