The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has charged the management staff of the ministry and its agencies to commit wholeheartedly to actualising the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on policing in the country.
Gaidam, according to a statement signed by the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations in the ministry, Bolaji Kazeem, gave the charge during the second phase of the 2024 management retreat with the theme: “Enhancing Strategic Leadership and Policy Implementation in the Ministry of Police Affairs” held in Abuja.
The minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Anuma Ogbonnaya Nlia, stated that their focus must remain aligned with global best practices, built on principles of trust, transparency, and public confidence-pillars that are essential for effective policing in the country.
He said: “The retreat provides a crucial platform for collaboration, where we can deliberate on strategic approaches to improving workforce quality and professionalism at all levels. Our collective aim is to ensure rigorous monitoring mechanisms that guarantee the effective and efficient delivery of our statutory mandate.
“This initiative reflects the current administration’s recognition of the urgent need for transformation within our policing system. It is a step towards reshaping the narrative around police reforms in Nigeria, moving beyond the rhetoric that has often characterised previous efforts.”
Gaidam reiterated his unwavering commitment to the full implementation of Mr. President’s eight-point agenda as it relates to the police ecosystem, adding that a key focus of his tenure is addressing the needs of the rank and file within the police force-empowering them to deliver timely, professional, and citizen-focused services, while upholding national security.
“Security remains our topmost priority, alongside the welfare of our staff. I am committed to driving transformative improvements within the Ministry. Police reform remains a pivotal agenda of this administration,” he maintained.
In his goodwill message, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG (Research & Planning), Basil Idegwu stated that the theme of the retreat “speaks to the heart of what is urgently required to reposition the internal security architecture of our dear nation for greater, effectiveness and sustainability.”
“In an era marked by increasingly complex security challenges, the ability of leadership within the ministry to craft, harmonise, and implement progressive policies cannot be overstated,” he stressed.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Police Trust Fund, Mohammed Sheidu represented by the Director of Planning and Research, Dashe Selman Davis commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda which hinges on improving security of life and property, poverty eradication, food security, economic growth, access to health, job creation, fight against corruption and rule of law.
Earlier, in his presentation, a Public Administration expert, Dr. Magbadelo Sola, posited that Police reform is the process of changing the attitude of the police in the discharge of their mandate, as it affects public safety and security, and reorienting them towards accountability, transparency, and openness in their operations.
He said: “Police are central to the maintenance of internal security and are key to the criminal justice system. As such, society must review and keep tabs on their performance, such that where it is below par, pragmatic moves should be made to effect changes.”
