ESSTF

Get to know about ESSTF

Enugu State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Peter Mbah, is taking proactive measures to enhance security in the state, through the establishment of ESSTF. The Fund would be aimed at mobilizing resources in cash and kind from both public and private corporate organizations, as well as well-meaning individuals, local and abroad. The primary objective of ESSTF is to provide support to security agencies operating within the state by equipping them with the necessary crime-fighting equipment and resources.

To effectively address the security challenges, the government is proposing the formation of a committee comprised of members from various sectors, including the private and public spheres. This committee will be entrusted with the responsibility of examining the prevailing security issues in Enugu State and working collaboratively to develop effective solutions.

Strategic Objectives of ESSTF

ESSTF’s strategic objectives is aimed at improving security in Enugu State. The includes;

Fundraiser

ESSTF shall serve as a financial vehicle for sourcing funds from private and public sector organizations, as well as individuals, to support security-related initiatives.

Capacity
Building

ESSTF will be committed to investing in the professional development and skill enhancement of security personnel. By allocating resources for training programs, the ESSTF will ensure that security personnel are equipped with the necessary knowledge and expertise to effectively handle their duties and respond to emerging security challenges.

Technological
Advancement

ESSTF shall facilitates the acquisition and deployment of modern security equipment and technology, such as surveillance cameras, communication systems, and forensic tools, to strengthen the security infrastructure in Enugu State.

Advisory

ESSTF board shall also serve as advisers to the Governor on any matters related to Law enforcement at the Federal, State or Local levels, including matters around their personnel or initiatives.

Community
Engagement

ESSTF shall actively engage with communities, fostering partnerships, and promoting public participation in security matters through initiatives such as community policing and proposed neighbourhood watch programs.

Potential Beneficiaries

The PPP approach is to be adopted as a model for the Fund due to the expertise and operational procedures that exist in the private sector and to allow for ease of business and effective and efficient running of the Fund. ESSTF will support the following agencies:

  • Proposed Neighbourhood Safety Agency (PNSA)
  • Forrest Guard Agency (FGA)
  • Enugu State Police Command
  • Enugu Special Vigilante Corps (NSVC)
  • Mobile Police Force
  • Airport Police Command
  • State Security Service (SSS)
  • Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD)
  • Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU)
  • Mounted Police

Other Security Agencies (Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Customs Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Nigerian Immigration Service units/commands based and operating within Enugu State)

The Role of the Trustee

Trustees play a pivotal role in ensuring accountability and fostering stakeholder confidence. As custodians of the fund, trustees are responsible for transparent financial management, adherence to governance standards, and overseeing the fund’s ethical utilization. Their commitment to accountability builds trust among stakeholders, including donors and the public, showcasing responsible stewardship of resources and reinforcing confidence in ESSTF’s mission to enhance security within the State.

Trustees provide strategic guidance by participating in decision-making processes related to ESSTF’s goals and objectives. They contribute to the formulation of policies, programs, and initiatives that align with the fund’s mission of enhancing security within the State.

Trustees actively engage with various stakeholders, including government entities, security agencies, and the public. Building partnerships and fostering collaboration is key to the success of ESSTF, and trustees play a central role in ensuring effective communication and cooperation among diverse stakeholders.

As trustees to ESSTF, fund management is a critical aspect of our responsibilities. This involves overseeing the financial resources of ESSTF in a manner that aligns with its mission and objectives. We manage ensure transparency, minimize liquidity risk, efficient allocation and stewardship.

Trustees take a lead role in fundraising efforts, leveraging their experience and influence emphasize accountability of the fund to attract contributions from private entities, individuals, and other potential donors. The involvement of a Trustees will give the fund the best chance at mobilizing financial support that will run ESSTF’s initiatives and programs.

Functions of ESSTF

01
Managing the funds received into trust and other assets that may over time be vested in it for the good of the people.
02
Procuring and maintaining equipment like armoured personnel carriers, buses, helicopters, water canons as may be required by security agencies.
03
Establish bases of operations for personnel, equipment, vehicles and other necessities for use by the agencies supported under the fund. Whether at the Federal, State or Local Government levels.
04
Procure insurance policies that by discretion are deemed expedient for the Trust properties.
05
Regulate the activities of private security agencies

Schematics of ESSTF

  1. The State, through the House of Assembly passes a law establishing the Fund and same is assented to by the Governor.
  2. The law establishes the Corporate Trustee to manage the assets of the Fund.
  3. By Law, a Board of Trustees is constituted.
  4. The Governor appoints an Executive Secretary to oversee the administration and day-to-day activities of the Fund.
  5. The Board of Trustees constitutes a Technical Sub-Committee with security-related skill set and membership drawn from within and outside the BoT.
  6. The Board of Trustees appoints a Fund Auditor.
  7. Funds flow to the Beneficiaries of the Trust or vendors who will deliver equipment or infrastructure.

Implementation Phases for ESSTF

The Enugu State House of Assembly passes ESSTF Bill and same is signed to law by the Governor.

The Board of Trustees to is set up, and a chairman and other members are appointed.

A Technical sub-committee is then formed by the BoT to provide technical advice on projects.

An Auditor are appointed as parties to the Fund.

A Corporate Trustee is appointed by virtue of the Law.

The Executive Secretary is appointed alongside other key personnel.

Fund raising campaign is initiated, soliciting the support of private sector as well as individuals, home and abroad.

Fund Administration; this involves investments, disbursement and reports.

Parties of ESSTF

Board of Trustees (BoT)

Board of Trustees (BoT)

ESSTF shall be overseen by a Board of Trustees comprising of prominent individuals from various sectors, including the private sector, civil society, and security agencies. The proposed board shall provide strategic guidance and ensures the proper management of funds. The membership of the BoT shall consist of;

  • The Chairman
  • Three Private Sector Members
  • Two Public Sector Members
  • One retired Police Officer
  • Two representatives of security organisations
  • Chairman of the state council of traditional rulers
  • One Representative of the Religious Institutions
  • The Executive Secretary of the Fund
Executive Secretary

Executive Secretary

The Executive Secretary shall be responsible for the day-to-day administration of ESSTF. This individual plays a crucial role in coordinating fundraising efforts, managing resource allocation, and executing programs and projects. The Office of the Executive Secretary will comprise of:

  • Executive Secretary
  • Deputy Executive Secretary
  • Administrative Staff
Technical Sub-Commitee

Technical Sub-Commitee

ESSTF shall have a Technical Committee, led by a chairman, comprising experts in security matters who shall provide technical advice and recommendations to the Board of Trustees. This committee helps in assessing and prioritizing security initiatives and projects. Membership of this Sub-Committee shall be from both within the BoT and other security officers from the State.

Trustees

Trustees

ESSTF will require a Corporate Trustee appointed by the Board of Trustees. The trustee’s responsibility will be to serve as a custodian and manager to the trust funds and act on the instruction of the Board of Trustees.

Auditor

Auditor

An Auditor, appointed by the Board of Trustees will be responsible for:

  • Conducting independent financial audits to ensure compliance with financial regulations, policies, and procedures.
  • Reviewing and verifying the accuracy of financial records and statements.
  • Providing assurance on the fund's financial integrity, transparency, and accountability to stakeholders and the public.