By Hosea Parah, Abuja

Wednesday, November 20, 2024 – Abuja – The House of Representatives Committee on Police Institutions visited the Police Service Commission (PSC) today to engage with the Commission’s management and assess ways to enhance its oversight of the Nigeria Police Force.

Led by Hon. Barr. Aliyu Wakili Boya, Chairman of the House Committee, the delegation sought to understand the challenges faced by the PSC and explore strategies for strengthening its ability to perform its constitutional duties.

In his address, Hon. Boya emphasized the importance of civilian oversight over law enforcement, calling it “an indispensable mechanism for promoting transparency, accountability, and public trust” in police institutions. He stressed the need for the PSC to be empowered with adequate financial resources, legal backing, and operational independence to function effectively.

The Committee Chairman also acknowledged the financial constraints the Commission faces and assured that discussions on budgetary support were ongoing with the Appropriations Committee. “We are committed to ensuring that the Commission receives the support it needs to fulfill its oversight responsibilities,” Hon. Boya said.

He commended the leadership of the PSC under Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), for introducing innovative programs aimed at improving the Commission’s operations. He specifically praised the “Arena of Knowledge” lecture series, which he described as a positive initiative for enhancing staff knowledge and efficiency.

In his remarks, DIG Argungu expressed gratitude for the visit, noting its timely importance. He appealed to the Committee for increased budgetary support, citing how financial limitations had hindered the Commission’s ability to carry out its constitutional duties effectively.

The PSC Chairman reiterated the Commission’s commitment to ensuring credible and efficient oversight of the Nigeria Police Force, stressing that under his leadership, the PSC had adopted a zero-tolerance stance on corruption. He also highlighted the launch of the Commission’s whistle-blowing policy as a significant step in promoting transparency and accountability in police affairs.

DIG Argungu, along with other members of the PSC leadership team, including DIG Taiwo Lekanu, Commissioner, and Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission, assured the visiting delegation of their dedication to improving the police oversight process and the Commission’s overall performance.

The visit underscores ongoing efforts to strengthen the role of the PSC in ensuring that the Nigeria Police Force operates with the highest standards of professionalism and accountability.