Delta State warns businesses and public institutions to install CCTV cameras or face prosecution under the state’s security law

The Delta State Government has warned business owners and heads of public institutions that they could face prosecution for failing to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras on their premises.

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The Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General of the Ministry of Justice, Omamuzo Erebe, SAN, said the government would soon begin enforcing the relevant provisions of the law after a period of public sensitisation.

Erebe issued the warning on Thursday, November 12, 2026, during the 2027 budget bilateral discussions involving ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), organised by the Ministry of Economic Planning in Asaba.

He urged business operators and public institutions to install CCTV equipment, describing it as an important security measure for protecting lives and property.

“I want to use this opportunity to advise business owners and public institutions to ensure that they install CCTV cameras on their premises.

“It does not cost as much as people think, and it helps protect society. The law was not enacted just for the sake of having legislation; it is meant to be obeyed.

“Very soon, some people may face prosecution for failing to comply with the relevant provisions,” he said.

The Solicitor-General maintained that ignorance of the law would not excuse non-compliance, adding that the government was prepared to take action against those who failed to meet the requirements.

The warning comes as the state government prepares to strengthen enforcement of a CCTV installation requirement that has been in operation since July 28, 2020.

In September 2024, the government reminded owners of commercial premises and public places to comply with the law.

The facilities covered include shopping malls, eateries, cinemas, supermarkets, petrol stations, hotels, offices, worship centres and schools.

At the time, the government said defaulters could face up to two years in prison, a fine of ₦500,000 and the sealing of affected premises until the required cameras were installed.

Meanwhile, Erebe used the budget discussions to review the Ministry of Justice’s performance in 2026, saying it had made progress in defending cases involving the state and reducing unnecessary litigation.

He attributed the improvement to better legal advice provided to MDAs, alongside regular training and efforts to motivate government lawyers.

According to him, the ministry had also introduced a reward system for lawyers who successfully handled cases, an initiative he said had encouraged improved performance.

Erebe disclosed that officials of government agencies, including the Ministries of Lands and Surveys and Commerce, had received training to ensure their activities complied with relevant legal requirements.

He particularly highlighted land acquisition as an area where government agencies must follow due process.

He warned that newspaper publications alone might not satisfy legal requirements, stressing that relevant parties must also be properly served to prevent disputes.

On the ministry’s request for additional lawyers in the 2027 budget, Erebe said recruitment was necessary to address a shortage of legal professionals and strengthen the ministry’s capacity.

“The shortage of legal professionals is not limited to the medical sector. It is also happening in the legal profession. That is why we made a case for additional recruitment of lawyers into the ministry,” he said.

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He also described Delta State’s Administration of Criminal Justice Law as one of the most modern legal frameworks, noting that the ministry was reviewing existing legislation to address gaps and ensure the laws reflected current realities.