The National Assembly has expressed its readiness to back sweeping reforms aimed at transforming the Nigeria Police Force into a more accountable, community-oriented institution.
Speaking during the Police Service Commission (PSC) Board Induction and Strategic Management Retreat in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who represented Senate President Godswill Akpabio, assured that lawmakers are committed to supporting initiatives that would reposition the police for greater efficiency and public trust.
Jibrin emphasized the need for the police to move beyond the image of coercion to become a symbol of trust, justice, and public service. He advocated for the adoption of global best practices in community policing, citing examples from Japan and Finland, where policing focuses on empathy, neighborhood engagement, and conflict resolution.
“We must institutionalize reforms that prioritize merit over mediocrity, discipline over favoritism, and integrity over impunity,” he said, adding that officers who uphold the highest ideals of service should be properly recognized and rewarded.
Senate President Akpabio, in a related statement, reiterated the National Assembly’s willingness to review outdated laws, approve critical reforms, and ensure robust oversight to deliver a modern, professional police system. He also stressed the need for integrating technology into daily policing operations and setting clear performance benchmarks.
The National Assembly’s pledge aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s broader agenda to modernize the police force, as outlined during the maiden National Police Day celebration earlier in April. President Tinubu had announced new welfare packages, enhanced training, provision of modern tools, and better accommodation and healthcare for police personnel.
Stakeholders have hailed the National Assembly’s commitment as a crucial step towards addressing longstanding challenges within the Nigeria Police Force and building stronger public confidence in law enforcement.
