Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has underscored the critical need for enhanced funding, improved remuneration, and logistical support for the Nigeria Police Force. He emphasized that these measures are essential for enabling the force to effectively carry out its responsibilities in a responsible and responsive manner.
The governor made this known during a retreat organized by the Police Service Commission and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) held at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan.
Makinde, while addressing the theme of the retreat, “Civilian Oversight in Nigeria: Strengthening Police Accountability and Public Trust,” stressed the necessity for a comprehensive approach to police reform that addresses the challenges confronting the force.
He emphasized that without proper support, it is unrealistic to expect police officers to perform at their best. Makinde highlighted that inadequate funding has hindered the force’s ability to effectively combat crime and ensure public safety. He further stressed the importance of providing officers with the necessary resources and support to carry out their duties effectively.
Represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, the governor expressed his opinion that the current salary structure for police officers is insufficient, leading many officers to struggle to make ends meet. He emphasized the need to invest in the police force to witness significant progress in reducing crime and promoting public safety.
Makinde also emphasized the need for improved logistics support for the Nigeria Police Force, including the provision of modern equipment, vehicles, and technology to enable officers to carry out their duties more effectively.
Furthermore, the governor called for synergy among stakeholders in the policing system in Nigeria and expressed the state government’s support for reforms in the Nigeria Police Force and civilian-police relationship.
During the retreat, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, represented by Amos Yahana, emphasized the crucial role of civilian oversight in promoting transparency, accountability, and public trust within law enforcement institutions. Yahana highlighted the necessity for effective civilian oversight, particularly in Nigeria, where the relationship between the police and the public has often been strained.
He acknowledged the numerous challenges confronting the police force, including allegations of corruption, human rights violations, and a lack of accountability, which have significantly undermined public trust. Yahana emphasized the significance of civilian oversight bodies such as the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), stressing their role in independently examining police actions, investigating complaints, and recommending appropriate disciplinary measures.
The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by AIG Effiom Ekot (rtd.), expressed confidence that the retreat would provide necessary reforms for effective policing and urged participants to come up with reforms that would enhance civil-police relations in line with international best practices.
The retreat, which brought together the leadership of the National Assembly, the judiciary, stakeholders in the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Nigeria Police Force, and the National Human Rights Commission, among others, served as a platform to deliberate on improving the relationship among oversight bodies in the country and to lay the groundwork for operationalizing a national policing plan.
