SSDC, Nigeria Police Forge Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Security, Boost Development in South-South

The South-South Development Commission (SSDC) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Police Force to enhance security and create a stable environment for economic growth in the region.

The collaboration was formalized on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by SSDC Managing Director, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, at Force Headquarters, Abuja.

Akpabio commended the IGP for his leadership and ongoing reforms, describing the Police as a critical partner in achieving the Commission’s mandate of driving regional development. She stressed that the South-South, as Nigeria’s oil and gas hub and home to deep seaports and key trade routes, faces persistent threats such as pipeline vandalism, illegal bunkering, militancy, piracy, cultism, and communal conflicts.

“Law enforcement is a priority to us. We need your robust policing support to ensure the smooth execution of our development programmes. We need to have a strong working relationship, not just for the Commission but for the good people of the South-South,” she said.

The SSDC boss proposed the establishment of an SSDC–NPF Liaison Desk to coordinate joint operations, intelligence sharing, and security programmes. She also sought police collaboration in youth reorientation, civic education campaigns, peacebuilding, and community policing.

Akpabio further pledged SSDC’s support to the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA), saying initiatives targeting officers’ families would contribute to a “happier and safer region.”

In response, IGP Egbetokun assured the Commission of the Police Force’s readiness to back its programmes, noting the inseparable link between security and development. He highlighted plans to work with the SSDC on protecting national assets, strengthening community policing, improving public awareness, and tackling cybercrime.

The Police Chief also welcomed SSDC’s commitment to addressing infrastructural gaps, including improving power supply and facilities within police formations.

“The Nigeria Police Force recognizes the critical link between security and development. We are committed to providing the necessary security support to ensure the SSDC successfully delivers on its mandate for the people of the South-South region,” Egbetokun said.