PSC boss pledges innovations to strengthen police accountability

Hashimu Argungu, Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) and retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to driving innovation and institutional reform as part of efforts to enhance police oversight in Nigeria.

Speaking at the close of a two-day capacity-building workshop in Abuja, Argungu emphasized the need for renewed dedication, collaboration, and sacrifice from both leadership and staff to reposition the PSC as a transparent and accountable body capable of supporting a rights-based policing system. CDs

The workshop was designed to build the capacity of PSC Board Members, Directors, and Heads of Departments and Units.

It was supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as part of its Supporting Police Accountability and Transformation (SPAAT) Project, with additional backing from the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO).

Organisers noted that the workshop aimed to reinforce the PSC’s position as a critical institution for promoting rights-based, transparent, and accountable policing in Nigeria.

Read also: PSC boss decries rising human rights violations in South-East

It also served as a strategic entry point to align the Commission’s operations with the country’s ongoing democratic governance and security reforms.

Argungu highlighted that the new Governing Board of the PSC had introduced fresh innovations aimed at reforming the Commission’s internal systems.

He emphasised that the Board is prepared to make genuine sacrifices to ensure the Commission operates effectively for the benefit of the country and its internal staff.

He urged staff members to take ownership of the Commission’s progress, stating that without collective dedication, the PSC would struggle to fulfil its mandate.

Argungu emphasized the importance of unity between management and staff and noted that the Commission must remain open to constructive criticism and knowledge sharing.

He described the institution as bigger than any individual and urged everyone to continue contributing ideas that would sustain its progress.

Also speaking at the event, Paul Adamu Galumje, a retired Supreme Court Justice and Commissioner representing the Judiciary at the PSC, expressed confidence that the workshop had equipped participants with the knowledge and motivation needed to deliver on their responsibilities.

He noted that the participants were now returning to their posts fully prepared to help the Commission meet public expectations.

Galumje thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the nation in their respective roles and also appreciated the Chairmen of the National Assembly Committees on Police Affairs for their continued support.

Napoleon Enayaba, who represented the UNDP, acknowledged the commitment demonstrated by the current Board and the enthusiasm of participants throughout the workshop.

Read also: PSC orders mass retirement of senior Police officers above over age limits

He reaffirmed the UNDP’s dedication to its partnership with the PSC, stating that public service requires dynamism and adaptability, and that the UNDP will remain a supportive ally in the journey toward transforming police oversight in Nigeria.

The workshop featured several expert-led sessions focused on enhancing the Commission’s internal governance, accountability systems, and operational effectiveness.

Presentations explored the PSC’s legal framework and oversight role, approaches to improving recruitment, promotion, and disciplinary procedures, and methods for strengthening institutional performance and governance.

Sessions also addressed improving complaints management and public trust, leveraging digital technologies for oversight, and exploring funding and partnership strategies to ensure the Commission’s sustainability.

The PSC leadership emphasized that the reforms underway are vital not only for the Commission’s growth but also for the broader objective of professionalizing Nigeria’s police system in line with global standards.