The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is exploring a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Police to revolutionize their fleet by converting vehicles from traditional petrol and diesel engines to cleaner alternatives, including electric and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered vehicles.
The Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Halilu, presented this proposal during a courtesy visit to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olukayode Egbetokun, in Abuja.
Recognizing the pivotal role of the Nigeria Police in safeguarding lives and property, Halilu emphasized the importance of reliable transportation assets for ensuring prompt responses to security emergencies. NASENI aims to play a crucial role in enhancing national security, aligning with the Federal Government’s renewed hope agenda.
Under the proposed partnership, NASENI plans to mobilize both financing and technical expertise to achieve two primary objectives: the modernization of Nigeria Police vehicle maintenance workshops nationwide and the restoration of decommissioned police vehicles across the country. Halilu expressed NASENI’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s climate action by converting police vehicles to electric and CNG-powered alternatives, contributing to a cleaner environment.
Highlights of the terms of engagement
Halilu outlined the Agency’s approach:
- Upgrade and modernize Nigeria Police vehicle maintenance workshops.
- Repair, recover, and reactivate all decommissioned police vehicle assets.
- Prioritize the use of locally manufactured components and materials.
- Generate new jobs and skill-acquisition opportunities.
- Manage the revamped workshop efficiently to generate surplus income for ongoing maintenance.
The CEO emphasized the potential positive impact on the Nigeria Police’s ability to fulfill its mandate of protecting lives and property. The collaboration aims not only to enhance operational efficiency but also to align with local content efforts by utilizing domestically manufactured components.
In response, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olukayode Egbetokun, commended NASENI’s visionary approach and expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration’s potential impact on police operations. He welcomed the offer of converting police vehicles to cleaner energy sources and pledged the Nigeria Police’s support to facilitate NASENI’s success in delivering on its mandate.
This partnership signifies a significant step towards modernizing law enforcement infrastructure, contributing to climate action, and fostering local economic development through job creation and skill acquisition. As NASENI and the Nigeria Police join forces, the nation anticipates a more sustainable and technologically advanced approach to law enforcement and national security.
