By Olumuyiwa Adejobi
“The only thing that is constant in life is change and it is inevitable”. This assertion triggered the Nigeria Police Force to think outside the box for enhanced policing skills, styles and innovations in discharging it statutory duties as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) as amended.
The Nigeria Police Force has, in an unprecedented move, positioned itself at the forefront of environmental consciousness and crime-fighting dynamism through the implementation of the Nigeria Police Green Initiative (NPGI).
This groundbreaking sustainable development program spearheaded by the country’s foremost internal security and law enforcement agency is a momentous leap towards innovative, eco-friendly solutions with far-reaching social, economic, and environmental benefits.
Unveiled at the Twenty-Eighth Session of the Conference of Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Dubai, UAE, the NPGI symbolizes Nigeria’s commitment to global sustainability goals. It’s a demonstration of the country’s proactive stance in catalyzing widespread environmental shifts for both national and global climate targets.
At the heart of this initiative is a multi-pronged strategy. The NPF plans to revolutionize its energy consumption by transitioning to renewable sources, specifically solar and gas for patrol vans and powering police infrastructure like barracks and stations, and host communities.
This bold step not only ensures a reduced carbon footprint but also brings light to communities for effective policing while actively contributing to the protection of our environment.
Furthermore, the NPF intends to lead by example in sustainable transportation methods, aiming to convert its fleet to electric and gas vehicles. This forward- thinking approach not only diminishes vehicular emissions but also advances healthier lifestyles among police personnel and the broader populace.
However, the NPGI doesn’t limit its impact to internal operations. It pledges to engage local communities, raising awareness about climate change, and fostering climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. This collaborative approach seeks to empower communities by educating them about early warning signals and effective strategies to combat climate challenges.
IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s address at COP28 also reiterated significance of partnerships in combating the global climate crisis. The call for collaboration resonates strongly, urging stakeholders worldwide to join hands with the NPF in safeguarding our environment for a better and sustainable world.
The NPGI represents more than a commitment; it’s a pledge towards a greener, safer future. The Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship, renewable energy drives, and innovative crime-fighting strategies sets a precedent for organizations and individuals worldwide.
As we project and celebrate this monumental stride, let us heed IGP Egbetokun’s call to action. Let’s embrace partnerships, innovation, inclusion, and finance to combat climate change collectively. We can collectively transform challenges into opportunities and build a world where environmental sustainability and safety go hand in hand.
Surprisingly, I have read and heard critisms from those who do not understand, or have failed to believe in our intentions and plans to be in tandem with the global mechanisms of renewable energy and Go-Green Initiative, as we protect lives and property and the environment.
The misunderstanding and misconception of the Police’s green initiatives by some individuals, no doubt, could be linked to trust deficit and wrongfully perceived insensitivity on the part of the police which are already being given due attention by the present Egbetokun-led leadership.
We make bold to reiterate that the green initiative of the Nigeria Police Force would not only reposition the police institution in our dear county, but also inject new ideas and more innovations into our social, political and cultural settings as a multidimensional country.
The journey to actualising our plans to emplace a police force that is professionally competent, rule of law compliant, service driven, and people friendly that will strive hard to complement the agenda of the government towards economic recovery, social integration and political development in Nigeria, is not far at all. This is achievable.
