The Delta State Government has threatened to prosecute business owners and heads of public institutions who fail to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras on their premises.
The government warned that it would soon move from sensitisation to strict enforcement of the law, with defaulters facing possible prosecution.
The Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General of the Ministry of Justice, Omamuzo Erebe, gave the warning on Thursday during the 2027 budget bilateral discussions involving ministries, departments and agencies in Asaba.
Erebe urged business operators and heads of public institutions to install CCTV cameras, stressing that the equipment would strengthen security and help protect lives and property.
He said the law was not meant to exist merely on paper, warning that those who failed to comply could soon be taken to court.
According to him, the cost of installing the cameras was not as expensive as many people believed, adding that ignorance of the law would not excuse defaulters.
The warning comes amid an earlier directive issued by the state government in September 2024, reminding owners of commercial premises and public places of their obligation to install CCTV cameras.
The law, which reportedly came into operation on July 28, 2020, covers shopping malls, eateries, cinemas, supermarkets, petrol stations, hotels, offices, worship centres and schools.
Under the provisions earlier highlighted by the government, offenders risk a two-year jail term, a N500,000 fine and the sealing of their premises until the required cameras are installed.
Meanwhile, Erebe, while reviewing the ministry’s performance in 2026, said it had recorded progress in defending cases involving the state and reducing unnecessary litigation.
He attributed the improvement to better legal advice to government agencies, regular training and motivation of lawyers.
The Solicitor-General also disclosed that the ministry had introduced a reward system for lawyers who successfully handled cases, saying it had encouraged better performance.
He said officials of some government agencies, including the Ministries of Lands and Surveys and Commerce, had also received training to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Erebe particularly warned against irregularities in land acquisition, explaining that newspaper publications alone might not satisfy legal requirements without proper service on affected parties.
On the ministry’s request for additional lawyers in the 2027 budget, he said the shortage of legal professionals had made fresh recruitment necessary.
He added that the state was reviewing existing laws to address gaps and ensure they reflected current realities, describing Delta’s Administration of Criminal Justice Law as one of the most modern legal frameworks.
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