Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared the National Assembly’s readiness to overhaul obsolete legislation as part of comprehensive police reforms in Nigeria. The announcement came during the Police Service Commission’s strategic session and induction programme in Akwa Ibom State.
Represented by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Akpabio emphasized the legislature’s commitment to modernizing Nigeria’s policing framework through three key actions: reviewing antiquated laws, approving critical reforms, and strengthening oversight mechanisms. “We must build a police force that delivers justice rather than judgment – one that becomes a beacon of hope for public service,” Akpabio stated.
The Senate President outlined an ambitious reform agenda including:
- Adoption of community policing models from nations like Japan and Finland
- Implementation of Singapore-style merit-based recruitment and promotion systems
- Creation of reward structures to incentivize integrity among officers
Highlighting the need for systemic change, Akpabio noted: “Reform requires courageous disruption. We must institutionalize merit over mediocrity, discipline over favoritism, and integrity over impunity.” He challenged the newly inaugurated PSC board to transform the police from “an arm of coercion to an engine of trust.”
PSC Chairman Hashimu Argungu (retired DIG) revealed parallel plans including establishing a Police Short Service Institution to professionalize recruitment, while Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno commended the Commission for deploying effective crime fighters to maintain the state’s peace record.
The event concluded with merit awards presented to Akpabio, Governor Eno, IGP Kayode Egbetokun and other reform advocates – symbolizing the collaborative approach needed for transformational policing changes.
