Photo caption from left: Secretary, Police Service Commission, Chief Onyebucji Nnamani, Commissioner DIG Taiyo Lakanu (Rtd) commissioner 11, Chairman Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd), Permanent Secretary, Dr Anuma Ogbonnaya Nlia, and Hon Justice Adamu Paul Galumje JSC (Rtd) commissioner 1 during Ministry of Police Affairs on a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Police Service Commission at the Headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.
By Charles Okonji
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Police Affairs, Dr. Anuma Ogbonnaya Nlia, has stayed the need to strengthen collaboration between the Ministry and Police Service Commission (PSC) to yield significant benefits in the areas of recruitment, promotion, and training.
He stated this when he led the management team of the Ministry of Police Affairs on a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Police Service Commission at the Headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.
The Permanent Secretary noted that it is paramount that the recruitment and training process for enlisting capable and ethical individuals into the police force is seamless and aligned with the needs of modern policing.
According to him, “Working together to establish transparent and merit-based systems for career progression and to address issues of misconduct fairly and effectively.”
He pointed out that collaborating on the development of policies and guidelines that enhance the operational efficiency, accountability, and human rights compliance of the Nigeria Police Force, as well as jointly exploring avenues to improve the welfare, morale, and working conditions of police officers, are crucial to maintaining law and order.
Dr. Anuma maintained that the primary objective of his visit was to formally introduce himself as the newly appointed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Police Affairs, and to foster a stronger working relationship and open channels of communication between the Ministry and the Police Service Commission.
“We recognised that our mandates are intrinsically linked, and effective collaboration is paramount to achieving our shared goals within the security architecture of Nigeria.
“The Ministry of Police Affairs is fully committed to working hand-in-hand with the Police Service Commission in a spirit of mutual respect and understanding. We are eager to engage in open dialogue, share perspectives, and collectively address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We believe that through regular consultations and a unified approach, we can strengthen the Nigeria Police Force and enhance its capacity to serve and protect all citizens.” He alluded.
He further stated that the Ministry of Police Affairs appreciates the significant role the Police Service Commission plays in overseeing the recruitment, promotion, discipline, and overall welfare of members of the Nigeria Police Force.
“Your independence and commitment to upholding standards of professionalism and integrity are vital to building public trust and ensuring the effectiveness of our police.” Dr. Anuma posited.
Responding, the Chairman Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd) appreciated the Permanent Secretary for the bold steps to forge cooperation that would address challenges of pension issues for retired policemen and assured to work together to address issues in the police ecosystem
In his words, “we must work together with the Nigeria Police Force to resolve the issue of pension, police reforms, and regular consultation to put life into police reforms in line with global standards and strengthen our relationship with civil society organizations and international donors”.
