A two day workshop on Strenghtening Institutional capacity for effective Police oversight began today, Wednesday 2nd July, 2025 in Abuja for Board Members, Directors and Heads of Departments and Units of the Police Service Commission.

The Chairman of the Senate Committe on Police Affairs, Senator Abdulhamid Mallam-Madori Ahmed who declared the workshop open acknowledged the challenges facing Police oversight and the urgent need to enhance institutional frameworks that promote transparency, professionalism and Public trust in law enforcement.

The Commission, according to Senator Ahmed plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the Nigeria Police Force operates within the highest standards of integrity and service delivery.

He said the theme of the workshop “underscores the critical need for robust, accountable and efficient Policing system in Nigeria”.

The Senate Committe Chairman said the workshop presents a unique opportunity for Board Members, key Management and technical officials of the Commission to engage in capacity building initiatives that will further empower them to carry out their oversight mandate effectively.

Senator Ahmed urged the participants to take full advantage of the workshop adding “the knowledge and skills you acquire here will not only enhance your individual competences but will also contribute significantly to the broader goal of transforming Policing in Nigeria.

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Police Institutions, Honourable (Barr) Aliyu Wakili Boya in his goodwill message said Strenghtening institutional capacity for effective Police oversight require a multi-faceted approach involving independent oversight bodies such as the Commission, Police Accountability measures and community engagement.

Hon. Boya said this includes enhancing the capacity of external oversight bodies, promoting Transparency and accountability within the Police Force, and fostering trust and Cooperation between Police and the Comminity.

He said Strenghtening the Police Service Commission capacity, fostering accountability within the Police and encouraging public participation, “Nigeria can create a law enforcement system that is transparent, accountable and respected by the citizens it serves” adding “as a parliament, we are committed to ensuring the legal support is provided for initiatives that require legislation”.

The Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, in his opening address said in a rapidly evolving security landscape, “the need for robust oversight mechanisms cannot be overstated. According to the PSC Chairman “effective oversight is not just about accountability – it is about building public trust, fostering operational excellence, and ensuring that Policing aligns with democratic values and the rule of law.

DIG Argungu noted that while the Commission have made progress in executing our mandate, there are still challenges such as procedural bottlenecks, funding, gaps in legal frameworks and the dynamic nature of Policing demand”.

He urged the participants to actively engage in all the sessions, ask critical questions and contribute to the development of practical solutions. ” let us approach this workshop with an open mind, a collaborative spirit and a shared determination to translate discussions into tangible reforms” adding that “as we commence this workshop, let us remember that the ultimate beneficiaries of our efforts are the Nigerian people – who rightfully expect a Police Force that is professional, accountable and human rights-compliant”.

DIG Argungu noted that the success of this initiative will be measured by the Commission’s ability to institutionalise the knowledge gained and implement Reforms that enhance public safety and confidence in policing.

The Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme, Napoleon Enayaba in his goodwill message said ” at the heart of this workshop lies a fundamental principle: that oversight is indispensable to trust. “The Police Service Commission, as Nigeria’s constitutionally mandated civilian oversight body, plays a critical role in ensuring professionalism, transparency and accountability within the Nigeria Police Force.”

Mr. Enayaba said UNDP’s engagement in the workshop through the supporting Police Accountability and Transformation Project, ” is anchored in our broader commitment to people-centred security”

He said the Reforms must not only strengthen institutions but must also deliver real improvements in people’s everyday experiences of safety, dignity and justice”.