PSC Urges Holistic Reforms As Panel Advances Plan For State Police

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Hashimu Argungu, has called for a comprehensive review of the structural challenges confronting the Nigeria Police Force as discussions on the creation of state police gain momentum.

Argungu made the call while receiving members of the Committee for the Implementation of State Police, led by its chairman, Olu Ogunsakin, at the commission’s headquarters.

In a statement issued by the PSC’s Head of Protocol and Public Affairs, Torty Njoku Kalu, the committee said it visited the commission to tap into its institutional knowledge and experience as consultations on the proposed state policing structure continue.

Speaking during the visit, Prof. Ogunsakin described the assignment before the committee as enormous, noting that the panel would rely heavily on the PSC’s expertise to guide the development of an effective framework for state policing in the country.

According to him, the committee cannot successfully execute its mandate without drawing from the wealth of experience of the commission in policing matters.

“We cannot do it alone without tapping from the wisdom of the PSC. We are here to benefit from your knowledge and insight as we review the policing structure and foundation to help reposition the Nigeria Police Force for greater efficiency,” Ogunsakin said.

Responding, Argungu presented a roadmap for the effective implementation of state police, stressing the need for the committee to first identify and address the root causes behind increasing calls for decentralised policing in Nigeria.

He further advised the panel to study countries where state police systems are already in operation, examine the challenges encountered in those jurisdictions and adapt workable models suitable for Nigeria’s environment.

The PSC chairman also urged the committee to request additional time, if necessary, to ensure the development of a robust and effective framework for the proposed reform.