Aregbesola Harps on Inter Agencies, Departments, Parastatals Synergy to Curb Insecurity
Aregbesola– Strategic alliance between various agencies and departments of the government is vital in Nigeria’s fight against insecurity, interior minister Rauf Aregbesola has said
Mr Aregbesola Thursday at the Second Ministerial Retreat of his Ministry rehashed the assurance the federal government had given in the past to address the worsening security situation in the country, one showing little signs of slowing.
“It is important for the four agencies to forge strategic alliances with other agencies, especially in light of new security challenges to our facilities and the nation at large”, the minister said while speaking at the event held in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital.
“At the back of our mind, we must never forget, above all things, that our main purpose is to serve the people by strengthening internal security and give all the people resident in the country the peace of mind they deserve”, Mr Aregbesola said.
The event hosted by the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AdbulRahmanAbdulRazaq, had in attendance dignitaries including a Representative of the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Kolapo Sulu Gambari; the Controller General, Federal Fire Service, CG Ibrahim Liman among others, according to a statement by the spokesperson of the fire service, Ugo Huan.
Virtually all parts of Nigeria are currently battling with one form of insecurity or the other with various crimes going on, largely unabated.
Despite attempts by the Muhammadu Buhari administration to curb the rising criminalities and killings across the country, the nation’s security apparatus appears to be overwhelmed with criminals having a field day killing, maiming and extorting their victims.
The minister at the event acknowledged the extraordinary security crisis Nigeria is facing but assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is “on top of the situation” in tackling the security challenges.
“We are facing unique challenges that will define how we live, moving forward. As a result, there is no shortage of work to be done, or responsibilities to bear. The Federal Government is rising up to the new challenge posed by these attacks”, the official said.
“In order to achieve Mr President’s mandate, there is an urgent need to put in place well thought-out policies and programme that would ensure effectiveness and efficiency toward improving internal security. There is need to determine where we are on the delivery of internal security, the challenges and the limitations. These would enable us develop plans and strategies with timelines for effective service delivery.”
Mr Aregbesola also charged the participants at the retreat to “speak freely and make creative and intelligent contributions which can be critical in providing original solutions and ideas to the problem.”
Also speaking during a paper presentation, the Controller General of Fire service, CGF, Liman Ibrahim Alhaji disclosed the laid down strategies of the service in developing Internal Security.
He highlighted the objectives of the service which is to bring to the barest minimum fire outbreaks in the country.
Further elaborating the laid out strategy of the service he said, “the efforts of the service at ensuring safety of lives and property by putting in place Regulations such as the Fire Policy, Fire safety Code, Standard operating procedures is geared at improving the confidence of Investors.
The theme of the paper he presented is “Improving Nigeria’s Preparedness for Internal Security and Public safety Threats: A case study for a medium Term strategic Plan”.
The CGF also said he has used advocacy as a tool to ensure assets are been protected by engaging State Governors on the need to equip the Fire Services in their various states.
He said the Service have ensured that its personnel are well trained so as to protect lives and property for an accelerated developed Nation.
The retreat will continue on Friday through Saturday, with the theme “Developing Internal Security and Public Safety towards a Five-year Strategic Plan for Accelerated National Development.”
At the end, there will be a production of a Five Years Strategic Plan for the Interior Ministry and its agencies, organizers said.
Ugo Huan
PRO, Federal Fire Service
