Reps call for increased funding, training for Nigerian Police

Nigeria’s House of Representatives has urged the federal government to prioritize adequate funding for police recruitment and training.

This call to action, made during a plenary session on Thursday, follows a motion by lawmaker Mitema Obordor highlighting the importance of a well-resourced police force.

The resolution comes amidst ongoing debate about the state of policing in Nigeria. Concerns have been raised about a lack of manpower and proper training within the police force, which some argue contributes to inefficiency and rights abuses.

Titled, “Urgent need to investigate and settle the lingering police recruitment dispute halting the 2023/2024 police recruitment exercise,” the lawmaker stated that in view of the population of Nigeria and the security situation in the country, the ideal police-to-citizen ratio in Nigeria ought to be one police officer to 200 citizens.

He added, “The lingering dispute between the Police Service Commission and the Inspector-General of police which has resulted to a halt in the 2023/2024 recruitment process exacerbates the existing shortage of police personnel, undermining the police’s capacity to effectively respond to security threats.

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“The House recognizes the critical need to strengthen the Nigerian Police Force by setting a ratio of one police officer to 200 citizen, or adopt the United Nations recommendation of a ratio of one police officer to 450 citizens to address the escalating security challenges facing our nation;

“The House recognises that the resolution of the lingering dispute between the police service commission and the Inspector-General of police, and the recruitment of additional police officers are crucial to bolstering Nigeria’s security and ensuring the safety of citizens.”

The House noted the need to strengthen the police through proper recruitment and training. An adequately funded and trained force is seen as vital for tackling Nigeria’s security challenges, which include armed robbery, kidnapping, and terrorism.

The motion also addressed a reported standoff between the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) regarding the 2024 police recruitment exercise.

The House’s call for increased funding is significant. While the specific budgetary allocations for police recruitment and training are not publicly available, past reports suggest these areas might be under-resourced.

This push for reform comes as Nigeria grapples with a complex security landscape. Equipping the police with the necessary resources and training is likely to be a key factor in enhancing public safety and fostering trust between the police and the communities they serve.

However, addressing the issue goes beyond just funding. The House resolution did not delve into potential reforms within the police recruitment process or the curriculum of police training academies. These areas could also benefit from scrutiny to ensure a more effective and professional police force emerges.

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