Argungu says innovation, transparency and corporate governance are key to rebuilding public trust in the Nigeria Police Force
The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (Rtd), has charged newly promoted Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) and Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) to embrace strategic leadership, accountability and good corporate governance as essential pillars for reforming the Nigeria Police Force.
Argungu gave the charge while delivering a lead paper titled “Policing Strategic Leadership on Promoting Public Sector Governance, Accountability and Institutional Excellence” at a two-day induction programme held in Abuja.
According to a statement by Torty Njoku Kalu, Head of Protocol and Public Affairs, Police Service Commission, the PSC Chairman stressed that modern policing requires more than traditional methods, calling for world-class training, technology-driven operations and stronger international cooperation to improve police efficiency and restore public confidence.
He noted that the Force must become more proactive in addressing emerging security threats, warning that outdated intelligence-gathering methods are no longer effective in the digital age.
“The Nigeria Police Force must get better at anticipating emerging issues and thinking innovatively. In today’s digital world, old methods of intelligence gathering are obsolete,” Argungu said.
Citing management expert Peter Drucker’s principle of “Innovate or Die,” he urged the new police management team to fully leverage technology, especially in electronic evidence management and cybercrime investigations, to remain effective in the 21st century and within the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Argungu also underscored the importance of the Federal Government’s Corporate Governance Manual, explaining that it clearly defines the responsibilities, duties and liabilities of board members, including the Force Management Team.
He said accountability, transparency and integrity must remain non-negotiable for the police leadership, stressing that officers are answerable not only to the law, but also to the Federal Government, the National Assembly, the Police Service Commission and the Nigerian public.
The PSC Chairman further pointed to recurring complaints against police officers, including arbitrary arrests, unlawful searches and the use of excessive force, urging the new leadership to confront such issues decisively in order to rebuild trust and strengthen the credibility of the Force.
He also outlined key areas for induction training, including ethical standards, financial regulations and the role of external oversight institutions in ensuring professionalism and institutional discipline.
The induction programme, held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, was organised by the Police Reform Secretariat in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), CLEEN Foundation and the Federal Government of Germany.
The event brought together major stakeholders, including the Ministry of Police Affairs and the National Human Rights Commission, with a focus on strengthening collaboration among the Police Service Commission, the Nigeria Police Force and the Police Reform Secretariat.
Argungu described the forum as a valuable platform for advancing discussions on public sector governance, professionalism and ethical conduct within the Nigeria Police Force.
