Why Tinubu Administration Is Giving Teeth To Police Reform
On October 31, 2023, President Bola Tinubu, in his capacity as the chair of the Nigeria Police Council (NPC), established a constitutional review committee to undertake a comprehensive overhaul of the police system. The committee’s mandate includes evaluating the deficiencies within the 1999 Constitution that hinder the reform of the Nigeria Police Force. Additionally, it aims to improve coordination, align technological advancements, and optimize manpower resources to fortify the police force.
Expressing concern over the lack of substantial reforms in the police force since its inception in 1861, the NPC tasked the review committee with generating innovative ideas that would pave the way for transformative changes, defining a new era for the Nigeria Police.
The committee comprises key figures such as the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Geidam; Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Solomon Arase; and the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Governor AbdulRahman AdbulRazaq.
Following discussions during the NPC meeting, Governor Bala Mohammed informed journalists that the confirmation of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) prompted the formation of the special committee. The committee’s focus is to address gaps in Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, fostering harmony and synergy, integrating technology, and optimizing manpower within the Nigeria Police Force.
While acknowledging past attempts at police reform, the statement notes that previous efforts often faltered beyond the conceptual and formative stages. Notably, in June 2019, former President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Police Trust Fund bill into law and reinstated the Ministry of Police Affairs in August 2019, with the aim of repositioning the police for enhanced service delivery. The Police Trust Fund aims to allocate adequate resources for training personnel, providing state-of-the-art security equipment, and enhancing the skills of Nigeria Police personnel in handling operational equipment and machinery, according to its stated objectives on its website.
