The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (retd), has urged the newly promoted Deputy Inspectors-General of Police and Assistant Inspectors-General of Police to embrace strategic leadership and good corporate governance as essential pillars for reforming the Nigeria Police Force.
Torty Njoku Kalu, Head of Protocol and Public Affairs at the Police Service Commission, in a statement said that Argungu delivered the charge while presenting the lead paper titled “Policing Strategic Leadership on Promoting Public Sector Governance, Accountability and Institutional Excellence” at a two-day induction programme in Abuja.
Argungu emphasised that modern policing demands more than traditional policy execution. He stressed the need for world-class training, technological integration, and international cooperation to enhance police efficiency and public trust.
The induction programme was organised by the Police Reform Secretariat in collaboration with the UNDP, CLEEN Foundation, and the Federal Government of Germany.
“The Nigeria Police Force must get better at anticipating emerging issues and thinking innovatively. In today’s digital world, old methods of intelligence gathering are obsolete,” DIG Argungu stated.
He referenced Peter Drucker’s principle of “Innovate or Die”, urging the new management team to leverage technology, particularly in the areas of electronic evidence and cybercrime, to remain effective in the 21st century and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The PSC Chairman highlighted the importance of the Federal Government’s Corporate Governance Manual, which outlines the responsibilities, duties, and liabilities of Board Members (Force Management Team).
He noted that accountability, transparency, and integrity are non-negotiable, stating that police officers are answerable not only to the law but also to the government, the National Assembly, the Police Service Commission, and the general public.
He further identified common complaints against police officers, including arbitrary arrests, unlawful searches, and the use of excessive force, urging the new leadership to address these issues to rebuild public confidence.
Argungu outlined key modules for induction training, including ethical standards, financial regulations, and the role of external oversight mechanisms.
The event, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, brought together key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Police Affairs and the National Human Rights Commission, to foster closer cooperation among the Police Service Commission, Nigeria Police Force, and the Police Reform Secretariat.
PSC chairman urges new police leadership to embrace strategic governance
