The Delta State Government has warned business owners and public institutions that they could face prosecution for failing to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras on their premises.
The government said it was preparing to move from public awareness campaigns to full enforcement of the law, warning that ignorance of the requirement would not excuse defaulters.
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.
He urged business operators and heads of public institutions to install CCTV cameras, describing them as an important tool for protecting lives and property.
Erebe said the equipment was not as expensive as many people assumed and warned that the government would soon begin prosecuting those who ignored the law.
He stressed that the legislation was not merely intended to exist on paper but was meant to be obeyed.
According to him, the government was determined to enforce the relevant provisions and would not accept excuses from businesses and institutions that failed to comply.
Speaking on the ministry’s performance in 2026, Erebe said it had made progress in defending cases involving the state and reducing unnecessary litigation.
He attributed the improvement to better legal advice provided to ministries, departments and agencies, as well as regular training and motivation for government lawyers.
The Solicitor-General also disclosed that the ministry had introduced a reward system for lawyers who successfully handled cases, saying the initiative had encouraged better performance.
He added that officials from agencies, including the Ministries of Lands and Surveys and Commerce, had received training to ensure their activities complied with existing laws.
Erebe identified land acquisition as an area requiring particular attention, warning that publishing notices in newspapers alone might not satisfy all legal requirements.
He explained that relevant parties must also be properly served to avoid disputes and legal complications.
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 noted that the shortage of lawyers was becoming a concern, just like the lack of medical professionals in the health sector.
Erebe also described Delta State’s Administration of Criminal Justice Law as one of the most modern legal frameworks, adding that the ministry was reviewing existing laws to address gaps and reflect current realities.
The latest warning follows an earlier government directive in September 2024 reminding owners of commercial premises and public places to comply with the CCTV installation requirement.
The law, which has been in operation since July 28, 2020, covers shopping malls, restaurants, cinemas, supermarkets, petrol stations, hotels, offices, worship centres and schools, among other facilities.
Under the government’s earlier warning, failure to comply could attract a two-year prison sentence, a fine of ₦500,000 and the sealing of the affected premises until the required cameras are installed.
