By Henry Uche
Enugu State has launched a historic approach to safeguarding its communities by activating the public-private partnerships (PPP) mode of funding through the Enugu State Security Trust Fund (ESSTF).
Beyond government funding, the PPP initiative encourages private enterprises to join hands with public entities to ensure that security is not left for the government alone but is a shared responsibility that benefits everyone.
ESSTF is leading the campaign that security is important to sustainable economic growth; and achieving it requires significant resources. The idea is to ensure that insecurity does not disrupt business and social life, which can lead to dwindled economic prosperity.
No doubt, the government recognises that leveraging partnerships with private stakeholders could enhance security coordination efforts. ESSTF aims to bridge resource gaps, provide stable funding, and develop a collaborative model where businesses, society, and the government work towards a safer state. By inviting the public and private sectors to work together to support the fund, the ESSTF aims to create a safe, stable environment where businesses and communities can thrive.
At the media launch of ESSTF in Enugu last October, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Enugu State Secretary to the State Government, who represented Governor Peter Mbah, stressed the administration’s commitment to economic growth through enhanced security.
He said: “The establishment of the Enugu State Security Trust Fund is a fulfillment of our promise to the people to make Enugu State one of Nigeria’s top three states by GDP.
“This Security Trust Fund stands as a testament to our commitment to a secure Enugu, through collaborative efforts with both public and private entities, ensuring a safer future for everyone.”
Prof. Onyia further highlighted the collective nature of the initiative, saying: “This Fund is more than a policy; it’s a call for collective action in safeguarding our state, proving that public-private synergy can power meaningful change in security.”
He also noted that achieving this vision is possible only in a secure and stable environment that attracts private-sector investment. The ESSTF, with its public-private partnership model, is an essential foundation for creating this environment. By pooling resources, expertise, and strategies from public and private entities, the ESSTF allows stakeholders to take active roles in making Enugu a safe, prosperous state.
Security experts and other stakeholders believe that security efforts require a lot of funds for things like vehicles, equipment, and staff training. Advanced tools such as surveillance cameras, drones and communication devices are necessary for the protection of the community.
The idea behind the PPP model of funding is that by combining government funding with contributions from private companies, the ESSTF can support large-scale security investments. This combined funding allows for a steady and predictable source of resources, so security initiatives are less likely to face due to budget limitations.
Dr. Ike Chioke, Chairman, ESSTF Board of Trustees, said during the event: “Transparency is the foundation of trust in our public-private partnerships, and we hold it as a guiding principle in every aspect of our operations.”
Chioke emphasised the commitment to accountability, saying: “Our accountability framework, which includes annual independent audits, assures our public and private partners that contributions are managed transparently for the collective good.”
ESSTF uses a PPP approach to raise ₦20 billion, bringing together contributions from the state and local governments, corporate entities, NGOs, religious bodies, development organisations and individuals. This partnership ensures a broad-based commitment to financing security initiatives. ESSTF’s public-private model also calls for accountability.
With private sector involvement, there is greater pressure for transparency in how funds are used. Private entities and individual donors want to know that their contributions are making a difference, so the ESSTF provides regular reports and financial audits to show how resources are allocated. This transparency will encourage responsible management of the funds, which builds trust among both contributors and the public.
People feel confident that their money is being used effectively and this confidence is key to maintaining long-term support for ESSTF. Prof. Onyia also emphasized that “ESSTF was built on transparency, irreversibility, sustainability to ensure that people will feel a sense of confidence in their contribution to ESSTF.”
Beyond addressing immediate security needs, the ESSTF’s funding model creates a sustainable foundation for the future. By bringing in contributions from private companies, the trust fund can rely on a steady stream of financial support that is not solely dependent on the government budget. This stability allows the ESSTF to plan for long-term improvements and make investments that strengthen security over time. Consistent support also means that the ESSTF can stay focused on security without worrying about changes in government funding. This approach builds resilience, allowing Enugu to adapt as new security challenges arise.
Dr. Chioke urged broad collaboration, stating: “We call upon local governments, corporations, NGOs, and individuals alike to join us in pooling resources, strengthening our shared commitment to the stability and safety of our communities.”
For Enugu State, the ESSTF demonstrates a commitment to a secure environment that makes the state more attractive to both local and international investors, hence the slogan, “Secure Progress.”
This economic growth, in turn, provides job opportunities and improves the overall quality of life in the community. When businesses succeed, they continue to contribute to the ESSTF, creating a positive cycle of security and prosperity.
ESSTF aims to achieve an annual contribution target of ₦5 billion at the end of 2024, with funds sourced from various contributors. Corporate entities are expected to contribute 50% of the total, amounting to ₦2.5 billion. The local government will provide 20%, which equals ₦1 billion, while the state government will contribute 15%, or ₦750 million.
Additionally, individuals are anticipated to contribute 7.5%, totaling ₦375 million and other sources will provide another 7.5%, also amounting to ₦375 million. This distribution highlights a collaborative approach involving both the public and private sectors to enhance security and stability in Enugu State. To simplify the process, the ESSTF has launched a secure digital crowd funding platform, giving donors real-time updates on how funds are being used. Through this collaboration, ESSTF is creating a sustainable public-private partnership to enhance security in Enugu.
Through the ESSTF, Enugu is proving that when sections of a community stands together it can overcome any obstacle and create a peaceful and prosperous future for all. By partnering with businesses, sharing responsibilities and engaging the public, the ESSTF creates a culture of security that is rooted in trust and collaboration. For Enugu, this is not just about responding to today’s challenges, it is about building a foundation for a safer future. Through the ESSTF, Enugu is showing that, with unity, transparency and a commitment to shared goals, communities can overcome any challenge and create a secure environment for everyone.