President Goodluck Jonathan has disclosed that a total sum of N1.5 trillion will be spent over the next six years in order to transform the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for effective service delivery and as well as enhance their operational capacity in line with the transformation agenda of the federal government.
Jonathan, who was represented by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed, stated this yesterday while declaring open the Police Service Commission (PSC) 2014 retreat in Makurdi, Benue State.
The president revealed that 60 per cent of the funding would come from government sources, while the Organised Private Sector and other development partners would contribute 40 per cent.
He further disclosed that the National Economic Council (NEC) had also approved that one per cent of the monthly allocations meant for the states be deducted and used to fund the police reforms.
“The statutory funding of the police reform programme is in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the sum of N1.5 trillion expected over the next six years would help to transform the police for more efficient and effective services,” he said.
Jonathan recalled that his recent statement at the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State during the passing out parade of the ASPs and Cadet Inspectors that government was committed to ensuring the continued improvement of the quality, capacity and numerical strength available to the Force and other security agencies.
He promised that the NPF must be repositioned to deliver on its mandate as the lead agency in the maintenance of internal security.
According him, the theme of the retreat: “Sustaining Nigeria Police Reforms” is apt, as it will discuss issues such as Inter-Agency Collaboration: Police Partnership as well as the Impact of Police Reform in the Administration of Justice.
According him, the theme of the retreat: “Sustaining Nigeria Police Reforms” is apt, as it will discuss issues such as Inter-Agency Collaboration: Police Partnership as well as the Impact of Police Reform in the Administration of Justice.
“These are important topics which, if well treated at this retreat will provide a framework for better and enhanced national security," he stressed.
Speaking further, the president urged the participants to pay special attention to the papers to be presented by experts with understanding of the security challenges facing the nation and the role of well-motivated Police Force in effectively combating them.
“Government considers it a sacred and important duty to guarantee the security and welfare of our people as well as protect the sovereignty of our country. The police have an important role to play in this respect.
"I want also emphasise that the police reform programme is intended to adequately equip the Force for this role, as the government will not tolerate excuses for failure", he said.
Earlier, the acting Governor of Benue State, Steven Lawani, stated that the state was not in support of the establishment of state police in the country, as the time is not ripe.
Earlier, the acting Governor of Benue State, Steven Lawani, stated that the state was not in support of the establishment of state police in the country, as the time is not ripe.
Lawani however, called on the NPF to redouble its effort in stemming criminal activities especially now that political happenings would soon be at their peak in preparation for the 2015 general elections.
On his part, the Inspector General of Police (IG), Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, called for delegated powers to the Police Commissioners and the Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) to promote any deserving junior police personnel since they already had powers to discipline.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the PSC, Mr. Mike Okiro, said the outcome of the retreat would form the basis for the blueprint of the present administration of the PSC.
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