The Permanent secretary, Ministry of Police Affairs, Mr. Temitope Fashedemi has pointed out that the Ministry is keen to implement Mr. President’s directives on the Nigeria Police reforms.
He stated this during the visit of the delegation from the German Federal Ministry Mission to Nigeria with the Global Security Sector Reform Foundation team led by Deputy Director for West and Central Africa, German Federal Foreign Office, Mr. Alexandre Callegaro to the Ministry Headquarters, Abuja.
The Permanent Secretary who stood in for the Minister of Police Affairs, Dr. Muhammad Maigari stated that as part of the efforts to reform the police, the Ministry resuscitated the Police Public Complaints Committee (PPCC) to provide platform for the citizens to report any perceive infringement from the police.
In his words, “you cannot be a judge in your own case that is the feelings of the citizens which necessitated independent body (PPCC) that comprises civil society, non-government organization and others that would treat any complaints against any erring police officers”.
He said recent ongoing recruitment of 10000 policemen, review of salaries and procurement of equipment is part of the reforms federal government is embarking on to improve efficiency of the Nigeria Police Force.
Fashedemi recalled that the Ministry which was reestablished by Mr. President to give policy direction and guidance to the police force has a big challenge in its checkered history noting that in course of merging of Ministry resulting in lack of institutional continuity of various policies and programs.
The Permanent Secretary expressed that welfare and equipment are critical to police to enable them discharge their duty adding that the Ministry major concern is the public relations with the citizens which needs urgent attention.
He said “most of the challenges the police had with the citizens emanate from the lower cadre of the force which constantly have direct contact with the public during their official duty and there is urgent need for necessary training and support for them to enhance their efficiency.
Earlier, the Deputy Director, for West and Central Africa, German Federal Foreign Office, Mr. Alexandre Callegaro stated that their visit is part of political conversation and consultation that took placed between President Muhammad Buhari and Nigeria and German Chancellor, Angela Merkel after the EndSARS protest and the need for police reform.
He reiterated the German government cooperation and support to the Nigeria government reforms to modernize the force to make it better adding there is more expectation from the public, political leaders and the world at large.
Bolaji O. Kazeem
Head (Press & Public Relations Unit)
November 23, 2021
