TheCable

The Kogi government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with investors from China on a security project for the state.

The project, said to be worth $60 million, is expected to provide more than 600,000 job opportunities when actualised.

The project will involve the use of digital technology for real-time surveillance activities across the state in order to prevent attacks.

According to the Kogi government, the input of security agencies such as the army, police, navy, Department of State Services (DSS), as well as local security groups was sought for the project.

Speaking on the development, Abdulkareem Siyaka, chief executive officer, Kogi state investment promotion and public private partnership agency, said the state is partnering with Hytera, a Chinese mobile communications firm, adding that the project will not only ensure improved security, but also boost the economy.

Speaking at the opening of a two-day interactive workshop on ‘Kogi State Mission Critical Support System: A 21st Century Integrated Smart State/security Architecture’, held in Abuja, Siyaka said the project is expected to create over 685,000 jobs, attract over N591 billion in investment yearly, and encourage migration to rural areas.

He added that a 5G licence had already been acquired by the state from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

“We are putting the whole state on the map — real-time, virtual, audio and visual. So, as you enter Kogi state from anywhere, even through the bush, we will see you,” he said.

“I won’t go into too much details because of the sensitivity of the architecture. But the components will be manned by a command/control centre.

“The idea is that the moment you come into the state, we will see you; if you’re driving, if you’re walking, you have metal, if you’re talking, we will be able to pick it and then if you do something wrong, we will be able to intercept you using our field personnel on the ground.

“Our boss, his excellency, the executive governor of Kogi state, is futuristic in everything he does. He is not a leader that jokes with the security of the state. That is why we are number one in that area today.

“He knows that, to develop Kogi state, he will need to be ahead of criminals by using artificial intelligence, by using super crime fighting infrastructure.

“We are bordered by 11 states we don’t have control over, so the best way to immunise, to arm ourselves, is to go into this kind of project.”

While declaring the workshop open, Yahaya Bello, governor of Kogi, expressed confidence that the project, which would be powered by a 30MW gas-powered electricity plant, would boost infrastructural development.

“There cannot be any meaningful development without adequate security. We are a serious government ready to harness every of our resources for the benefit of our people. We will continue to do our best,” Bello said.

“We have received several awards in terms of providing safety and security for our people. That is a call to do more and we will do more.

“I want to assure the people of Kogi state that till my last day in office, I will continue to cooperate with all our law enforcement agencies and our citizens across board to make sure we fight these criminals to a standstill.”