The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Hashimu Salihu Argungu, has called for a comprehensive review of the structural challenges facing the Nigeria Police Force as Nigeria intensifies discussions on the establishment of state police.
Argungu made the call while receiving members of the Committee for the Implementation of State Police, led by its Chairman, Olu Ogunsakin, during a working visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to the Head of Protocol and Public Affairs of the Commission, Torty Njoku Kalu, the delegation visited the PSC to tap into the institutional experience and expertise of the Commission’s Board, given its strategic role in Nigeria’s policing framework.
Speaking during the visit, Ogunsakin described the task before the committee as enormous, stressing the importance of drawing from the Commission’s knowledge and experience.
“We cannot do it alone without tapping from the wisdom of the PSC. We are here to draw from your wealth of knowledge regarding the task before us to review the landscape, structure and foundation that will assist the Nigeria Police Force to move forward,” he said, describing Argungu as a “fountain of knowledge.”
In his response, Argungu presented what he described as a practical roadmap for the implementation of effective state policing in Nigeria. He urged the committee to first examine the underlying issues that triggered the growing demand for state police across the country.
“Find out what went wrong that necessitated the quest for the creation of state police,” he advised.
The PSC Chairman further emphasised the need to carefully examine the relationship between federal and state offences, distinguish between public and private wrongs, and assess the relevance of existing laws in the modern era.
Argungu also encouraged the committee to study countries where state policing structures have proven successful, analyze the challenges encountered in those systems, and adapt relevant lessons to suit Nigeria’s unique environment.
He advised the committee not to hesitate in seeking additional time if necessary to ensure the development of a well-structured and effective framework.
Members of the PSC Board present during the meeting included Paul Adamu Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court representing the Judiciary; Taiwo Lakanu, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police representing the Police; and the Secretary to the Commission, Onyemuche Nnamani.
The Committee on the Implementation of State Police has been tasked with proposing an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures across Nigeria, including recruitment processes, training standards and resource allocation.
