ADZER
By TOM CHIAHEMEN, Abuja –
As debates over how to tackle Nigeria’s worsening security challenges intensify, a respected hospitality and tourism consultant and former Director of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mr. John Akumba Adzer, has called for the establishment of specialized Tourist Police Units within the proposed State Police structures.
Adzer made the recommendation in a technical submission on the proposed creation of State Police to complement the operations of the Nigeria Police Force, arguing that tourism security should form an integral part of any new policing architecture.
According to him, Tourist Police are specially trained personnel equipped with skills in tourism security management, visitor relations, emergency response, cultural sensitivity and destination protection.
He explained that such units would be responsible for protecting tourists and visitors, providing security at tourism sites and events, assisting both domestic and foreign travellers, preventing crime along tourism corridors and enhancing Nigeria’s image as a safe and attractive destination.
“Countries with successful tourism industries have demonstrated the effectiveness of specialized tourist policing systems,” he said.
Adzer expressed strong support for the establishment of State Police, describing it as a strategic mechanism for strengthening grassroots security and complementing the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force.
“The objective is not to replace the Nigeria Police Force but to complement its operations through a multi-layered security framework capable of addressing local security realities,” he stressed.
Describing Nigeria as a vast and diverse country facing varying security threats across its geopolitical zones, Adzer said State Police would enhance community-based intelligence gathering, improve rapid response to security incidents, deepen public trust through community policing, increase security presence in rural and remote areas, and ultimately stimulate economic growth.
“Security is local; therefore, policing should also possess a significant local dimension,” he noted.
He maintained that the creation of State Police represents a timely and necessary reform capable of strengthening community security and promoting national stability if properly implemented.
Adzer further advocated the integration of Vigilante Services, Forest Guards and Tourist Police into the proposed State Police framework to create a comprehensive security ecosystem capable of addressing both conventional and emerging threats.
“As a tourism consultant, I believe that security and development are inseparable. A secure Nigeria will attract investment, stimulate tourism, create employment opportunities and accelerate national development. Therefore, I strongly support the creation of State Police as a strategic instrument for enhancing security, promoting tourism and fostering sustainable socio-economic growth in Nigeria,” he said.
