Senate to support overhaul of policing laws — Akpabio

The President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has pledged the National Assembly’s full legislative backing for the review of outdated laws, particularly those affecting policing in the country.

This commitment was reiterated during the Police Service Commission (PSC) Board/Strategic Session and a four-day induction programme held on Tuesday in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.

Senator Akpabio, who was represented at the event by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, noted that the National Assembly would provide the legal framework required to promote meaningful police reforms and enhance professionalism within the Nigeria Police Force. Themed “Enhancing the Key Standards of Corporate Governance”, the gathering attracted prominent stakeholders from the security and governance sectors.

He assured attendees that the National Assembly would remain steadfast in its role of reviewing obsolete legislation, enacting necessary reforms, and providing robust oversight to support the evolution of a citizen-focused, professional police service. Akpabio emphasised the need for a police force that future generations could respect, one founded on justice and public service rather than coercion.

He maintained that Nigeria must begin to value merit, discipline, and integrity above mediocrity, favouritism, and impunity. According to him, genuine reform demands the courage to challenge entrenched norms. He advocated for the adoption of community policing models, drawing examples from countries such as Japan and Finland, where policing is rooted in empathy, conflict resolution, and community partnership.

“In Singapore, police transformation was driven by strict recruitment standards, transparent promotion systems, and unwavering accountability,” Akpabio remarked. “Nigeria must similarly institutionalise merit over mediocrity, discipline over favouritism, and integrity over impunity.”

He further called for the establishment of a reward system to recognise officers who exemplify the highest standards of public service, even under difficult conditions. Akpabio said the culture within the force must shift towards commendation rather than condemnation.

Congratulating the newly inaugurated PSC board members, Akpabio described their appointment as both a call to service and a sacred duty to spearhead reform efforts and restore public confidence in policing.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police Hashimu Argungu, explained that the induction programme was designed to familiarise the new board members with their oversight functions and the need for enhanced accountability within the Nigeria Police Force. He said the session would also serve as a platform for engaging critical stakeholders on strategies to strengthen the institution and deepen transparency in law enforcement.

Argungu proposed the establishment of a Police Short Service Institution, akin to the military’s model, to enable the recruitment of professionals into the police force and address persistent manpower shortages.

In his goodwill message, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State commended the enduring collaboration between the state government and security agencies, which he said had positioned Akwa Ibom as one of the most peaceful states in the country. Represented by his Special Adviser on Security, retired DIG Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, the governor noted that the induction and strategy meeting would strengthen the Commission’s institutional capacity and expose participants to modern policing techniques.

“We could not have achieved our security milestones without the invaluable support of the Police Service Commission, particularly in the deployment of capable officers to combat crime in the state,” Eno said, reaffirming the state’s commitment to continued cooperation with the police to maintain a hostile environment for criminal elements.

The programme concluded with the presentation of awards to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Umo Eno, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and other distinguished individuals in recognition of their contributions to policing and public service in Nigeria.