Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris
In its quest to step up security in the country and create jobs, the Nigeria Police yesterday disclosed its plan to establish the Nigerian Police Broadcasting Service (NPBS) and the Nigerian Police Emergency Response (NPER).
The stations are expected to take off on January 30, 2019 in the 36 states of the country and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).The NPBS and NPER, initiated by the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, are expected to broadcast nationwide on television, radio, online and the National Emergency Communication Command and Control Centre, with its headquarters in Abuja.
This was contained in a presentation made to the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board in Abuja on behalf of the Police by Ono Akpe, who disclosed that the project is expected to gulp $500 million, without the Nigeria Police making any financial contributions.
“The Nigeria Police has executed an MOU with Skytick International Limited. The company under the MOU is obliged to raise the required funds to construct, purchase and install all needed equipment, including the helicopter and drones, for the effective operation of the project throughout the country.
“The company, with the full compliment of the Police, will operate the NPBS for a period of 20 years before handing over to the Nigeria Police.”The Nigeria Police is only obligated, under the MOU, to provide land in the 36 states and the FCT for construction of the television and radio stations,” Akpe stated.
Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer of Skytick International Limited, Edirin Jerry Wesley, stated that NPBS would ensure that the Nigerian public has access to an efficient and effect Police service that meets their security and safety needs through delivery of its strategic objectives.
He added that it would also create a platform to interact with the public and provide them with an opportunity to voice their opinions and other concerns towards effecting improvement in service provision, saying the equipment are already arriving the country towards commencement of transmission.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Mr. Joshak Habila, stated that the Force was optimistic that the initiative would be a success, given the calibre of people involved in the implementation.
He added that stations would further improve the work of the Police regarding security of lives and properties.”Through NPBS, we are going to do our best to effect and educate people on security and protection of lives and properties, especially those in the oil and crime zones,” he added.
