“CARSPO should be seen as a strategic investment in security cooperation, economic activity, infrastructure, tourism and institutional learning” — Shina Philips

The Imo State Government deserves commendation for its decision to serve as the major sponsor and host of the sixth Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO 2026). However, the significance of Imo’s role should be understood beyond the conventional language of sponsorship.

According to Shina Philips, Managing Director of Lenders Consult International, CARSPO is not simply about providing a venue for a national police gathering. It represents a strategic investment in security cooperation, economic activity, infrastructure, tourism, institutional learning and the visibility of Imo State.

That is the central point that should inform the national conversation about this year’s conference.

When senior police officers, government officials, security experts, journalists, service providers and other stakeholders converge on a state, they contribute to the local economy. They use hotels, restaurants, transportation services, telecommunications, retail outlets and other businesses. They interact with institutions and communities while experiencing the host state’s infrastructure, culture and hospitality.

In other words, a national conference creates both an economic and institutional footprint. Imo State is therefore not merely hosting an event; it is creating an opportunity.

The Third Time Imo Is Hosting: A Vote of Confidence

The fact that Imo State is hosting CARSPO for the third time is particularly noteworthy. Repeatedly hosting a prestigious national programme of this nature demonstrates the state’s willingness to shoulder the responsibilities associated with major national gatherings.

It also gives Imo an opportunity to build on previous experiences and strengthen its capacity as a destination for national conferences and other major events.

The real question, however, is what Imo State — and indeed Nigeria — can extract from the opportunity.

The conference should generate conversations about security, but its impact should extend into the economy. It should strengthen policing while also strengthening partnerships. It should attract senior officers while creating opportunities for local businesses. Most importantly, it should put Imo in the national spotlight in ways that can continue to benefit the state long after delegates have departed.

Public Spending Should Create Public Value

Government sponsorship of major events is sometimes viewed narrowly as expenditure. A more useful question is whether such expenditure create

In the case of CARSPO 2026, the potential public value is broad. A significant gathering of senior police officers and other participants creates demand for accommodation, transportation, food, logistics, communications, event services and other supplies.

Hotels receive guests. Restaurants receive customers. Transport operators receive passengers. Small businesses gain additional patronage. Event vendors secure contracts, while local service providers participate in the supply chain.

This is how a conference can inject additional economic activity into a host state’s commercial ecosystem.

Consequently, the resources committed by Imo State should not be viewed solely through the lens of government expenditure. The other side of the equation is what the event can generate in terms of security, institutional, commercial and reputational value.

The Small Business Owner Is Also a Stakeholder

The economic benefits of CARSPO should not be discussed only in terms of large hotels and major contractors. Small businesses are equally important.

A food vendor may sell more meals. A taxi operator may have more passengers. A supermarket may record increased purchases. A souvenir seller may find new customers, while a laundry service may receive additional business from hotels.