A civil society organisation, Citizens Gavel, has urged the Federal Government to provide fair compensation to families affected by the demolition of police barracks.

While expressing concern regarding the recent demolition of the police barracks at Bourdillon Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, the organisation observed that the action raises significant apprehensions about the government’s commitment to providing adequate housing for its citizens, including the dedicated personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.

Citizens Gavel Legal Associate, Sylvester Agih, in a statement Thursday, described the N2 million compensation to 347 families affected by the demolition as grossly inadequate.

In July 2024, the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force announced the provision of N2 million each to approximately 347 families residing in the barracks to assist with their relocation due to a purported redevelopment plan.

The organisation said the compensation is grossly inadequate given Nigeria’s rising cost of living, which has escalated housing prices and living expenses significantly, especially in that area.

“We express our dismay at the N2 million compensation, which fails to reflect the financial burden these families will face in paying the expensive yearly house rents in Lagos. Moreover, we fear that such inadequate compensation may compel affected police officers to engage in extortion of citizens as a means to supplement their income in order to meet rental obligations.

“This unfortunate situation could also lead to psychological distress among police officers, impairing their ability to effectively carry out their statutory duties of protecting lives and property,” it stated.

To address these pressing concerns, the organisation urged the government to provide a more substantial financial package to the affected families that reflects the current economic realities and housing market conditions.

It also demanded the establishment of comprehensive housing assistance programs for police personnel, ensuring access to affordable housing options.

“Prior to any future demolition or redevelopment projects, the government must engage in appropriate planning and consultation with all stakeholders, including the affected families and the police force, to ensure their needs are adequately met.

“Government should implement support services to assist the affected families and police officers in their transition to new housing, including counselling and financial advice.

“It is imperative that the government prioritises the welfare of its citizens and personnel, particularly in matters as critical as housing. We urge the authorities to immediately rectify this situation and ensure that such oversights do not occur in the future,” it added.