By Amieyeofori Ibim, Port Harcourt
The National Economic Council, NEC, Committee on the Revival of Ailing Security Training Institutions in Nigeria has visited Rivers State on Thursday.
The delegation, led by its Chairman and Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, also included Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun. They were received by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
During the visit, the three governors unanimously expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to restoring the nation’s security institutions and achieving the Committee’s mandate.
Governor Fubara accompanied the visiting delegation to the Police Training School in Nonwa, Tai Local Government Area, where the team witnessed firsthand the severe decay that has forced the facility’s closure for over three years.
Briefing the host governor, Committee Chairman Governor Peter Mbah explained that the President personally inaugurated the Committee in recognition of the critical state of national security and the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul.
“The President understands that we are at a security crossroads, and nothing short of a total transformation will guarantee our collective safety,” Mbah said.
He noted that the President has approved the recruitment of 30,000 new police personnel, stressing that such a major initiative cannot succeed without functional training institutions to properly prepare the recruits.
“What we are doing here is an on-the-spot assessment — a fact-finding mission. We already have reports on the state of all training colleges for both the Police and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) across the country,” he added.
Governor Mbah emphasized that the intervention is a nationwide exercise in line with the President’s directive, aimed at creating a conducive learning environment for law enforcement personnel.
“This project is being treated as an emergency, including the release of intervention funds. We must understand that we are at a national security crossroads, and urgent, bold action is required,” he stated.
He commended President Tinubu for his determination to ensure that security operatives receive quality training in an environment conducive to professionalism and skill development.
“This is a national mission to restore integrity and professionalism among the men and women who protect our communities,” Mbah noted, adding that the Committee would supervise the entire process — from renovation and reconstruction to re-equipping the institutions. “It will not be a patchwork effort. We are committed to a total rebuild and restoration of dignity for our security personnel.”
In his remarks, Governor Siminalayi Fubara lauded President Tinubu for prioritizing the professional development of security officers, describing the initiative as timely and visionary.
“It is important to acknowledge the President’s bold commitment to ensuring our police officers are properly trained and motivated. This is not just about renovating facilities — it’s about creating a holistic system that will enable our police to operate at global standards,” Fubara said.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun explained that the Committee had divided itself into two groups to meet its tight four-week deadline.
“One team is visiting training centres in the North, while another focuses on the South. We also have consultants assessing all the facilities nationwide. Our goal is not only to document their conditions but also to produce detailed bills of quantities and cost estimates for total refurbishment. This will allow Mr. President to commence the recruitment drive alongside the necessary training,” he stated.
Addressing concerns about the timing of the initiative, Governor Abiodun said the current administration should be commended for confronting a long-standing national challenge.
“These institutions did not deteriorate overnight. Their neglect spans several administrations. The Tinubu administration, just over two years old, is now taking decisive steps to correct decades of decay,” he said.
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