Strengthening Medical Fitness in Policing

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Lagos, AIG Simeon U. Akpanudom, has advocated for regular medical checks for detectives and other personnel. The call is intended to ensure that officers remain physically and mentally fit to handle the demanding nature of effective policing.

Akpanudom made these remarks during a working visit by the Force Director of Medical Services, AIG Nkechi Eze, and her team to the FCID Annex at Alagbon, Ikoyi. The AIG emphasized that regular medical assessments are vital for the early detection of health challenges, promoting a culture of preventive healthcare among personnel whose duties frequently expose them to high levels of physical and psychological stress.

Inspection of Facilities and Welfare Support

During the visit, AIG Eze and her delegation conducted a comprehensive inspection of the medical facilities available at the FCID Annex. The discussions primarily focused on identifying areas for improvement and strengthening healthcare support systems for the officers stationed at the formation. Akpanudom stressed that the Nigeria Police Force must prioritize the well-being of its detectives, who require consistent access to qualified medical professionals.

Health is wealth. Officers can only maintain efficiency, professionalism, and effectiveness in policing when their health is adequately safeguarded.

— Simeon U. Akpanudom, Assistant Inspector-General of Police, FCID Annex Lagos

The AIG further requested immediate follow-up on specific issues identified during the inspection. Key priorities include the establishment of routine medical checks conducted by qualified doctors and ensuring improved access to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for detectives and other support staff at the Annex.

Commitment to Healthcare Delivery

In her response, AIG Nkechi Eze acknowledged the warm reception and confirmed that her team had already assessed various police formations across Lagos. She assured the leadership of the FCID Annex that the specific requests and needs identified during the exercise would receive the necessary administrative attention to improve service delivery.

The Force Medical Services will continue to work with police formations to ensure that the welfare and healthcare needs of personnel receive appropriate attention.

— Nkechi Eze, AIG and Force Director of Medical Services, Nigeria Police Force

Eze reaffirmed her commitment to ongoing collaboration with the formation to ensure that all personnel have access to quality healthcare. The visit concluded with the presentation of a plaque of recognition to AIG Eze and a group photograph involving both teams to mark the collaborative effort.

Institutional Vision for Officer Well-being

In a statement regarding the visit, the FCID Annex Public Relations Officer, ASP Mayegun Aminat, reiterated the formation's dedication to initiatives that promote professional efficiency and the overall well-being of its personnel. This focus on health is described as a core component of the broader vision to build a more effective and people-oriented police force.

• Regular assessments to facilitate early detection of health concerns
• Promotion of preventive healthcare strategies
• Integration of personnel into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS)
• Modernization of medical facilities within police formations

The formation remains committed to supporting any measures that align with maintaining the physical and mental readiness of its detectives in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.