NEC Approves ₦100bn to Overhaul Police and Security Training Schools as Nigeria Seeks Stronger Internal Security

Nigeria’s National Economic Council (NEC) has approved a substantial ₦100 billion for the comprehensive rehabilitation of police and other security-agency training institutions across the country, marking one of the boldest attempts in recent years to rebuild the nation’s weakened security foundation. The announcement was made during NEC’s 154th meeting, chaired by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, with the decision awaiting final ratification by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to the council, the funding will cover the renovation of police colleges, paramilitary academies, and specialised training facilities nationwide, many of which have been described as “deplorable” and unfit for modern security preparation. An additional ₦2.6 billion was approved for consultancy services tied to the project, ensuring that the overhaul includes both infrastructure development and technical upgrades.

The move follows a nationwide inspection conducted by an ad-hoc committee led by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, whose team observed widespread structural decay, outdated equipment, overcrowded dormitories, and inadequate training spaces. The report noted that many training institutions have suffered decades of neglect, with some operating with facilities dating back to the colonial era. Mbah emphasised that rebuilding these centres was critical if Nigeria hoped to enhance the competence, morale, and professionalism of its security personnel.

Vice-President Shettima, addressing governors during the virtual meeting, stressed that the investment must translate into visible improvement, not just bureaucratic paperwork. He urged states to align economic reforms with grassroots impact, noting that Nigerians are increasingly demanding tangible change in areas of security, welfare, and public service delivery.

Security analysts have welcomed the approval as a long-overdue step toward fixing one of the weakest links in Nigeria’s security infrastructure. Many argue that inadequate training environments directly affect operational performance, discipline, and public trust in law-enforcement agencies. A senior security consultant, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that “you cannot train world-class security personnel in conditions that resemble abandoned structures. This approval, if implemented transparently, could be transformational.”

The rehabilitation project is expected to include the reconstruction of classrooms, dormitories, parade grounds, armouries, and simulation facilities, as well as the procurement of modern training tools. The upgrades aim to align Nigeria’s training standards with contemporary security challenges, from terrorism and kidnapping to cybercrime and community policing.

Despite the optimism, civil-society groups have called for strict oversight to prevent mismanagement of the massive funds. They insist that transparency, public reporting, and involvement of independent monitors will be key to ensuring the reforms deliver real results. Without such safeguards, activists warn, the initiative risks becoming another expensive but ineffective government project.

As Nigerians await President Tinubu’s final approval, expectations are high. With insecurity still affecting communities across the country, many citizens see this move as a chance to rebuild trust in the security sector and equip officers with the training needed to confront the realities on the ground. For now, the nation watches closely hopeful that this ₦100 billion commitment marks the beginning of a more capable, better trained, and more reliable security force.