Joel Ajayi

In its commitment to national development and public trust, the Police Reform Secretariat (PRS) is championing efforts to build a modern, inclusive, and accountable police system that truly serves the needs of all Nigerians. 

Through stakeholder engagement, institutional reform, and community-focused strategies, the PRS aims to reposition the Nigeria Police Force as a professional and people-centred institution, capable of protecting rights, upholding justice, and fostering nationwide security.

At the heart of this initiative is the Multi-Stakeholder Consultative Forum on National Police Reform, held on Tuesday in Abuja, where key stakeholders from across the country gathered to deliberate on sustainable reforms that can reposition the Nigeria Police Force for national development and improved public trust.

The Police Service Reform (PSR) initiative, spearheaded by the PRS, is a vital and timely effort designed to restructure the Nigeria Police Force into a more professional, accountable, and people-oriented institution. These reforms are anchored on three critical pillars: Professionalism, Accountabilityand People-Oriented Policing.
Also, the  forum marks a significant step in the ongoing national dialogue to create a reformed police structure that not only enforces the law but also earns the trust, confidence, and cooperation of the communities it serves.

Speaking at the event, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who was represented by AIG M. Gumel, reiterated the importance of inclusive reform. He described the forum as an essential platform to drive meaningful change, saying: “Today’s gathering is not just another meeting. It is a collective call to action. Across Nigeria, communities are demanding a policy and policing system that is inclusive, accountable, professional, and people-centred. We are being asked to imagine — and help build a system that is not merely an institution on paper, but a trusted partner in safeguarding rights and fostering safe, equitable communities.”

He stressed that true reform must be bottom-up, shaped by the diverse voices of Nigerians — from security agencies to civil society, from traditional rulers to youth groups, and from policymakers to everyday citizens.

 “As we begin our deliberations today,” he said, “let us be guided by three foundational principles: Inclusivity – Every Nigerian, especially the marginalised, must see themselves in the system that governs them.

Accountability – Policy is a public trust, and transparency must define our actions, Innovation – We must embrace forward-thinking, data-driven approaches that match today’s security realities.”

On behalf of the police and the organising committee, the IGP’s representative declared the forum open, urging all participants to engage in honest, respectful, and action-oriented dialogue.

Speaking during the forum, the Coordinator of the PRS Prof. Olu Ogunsakin, emphasized that the gathering was convened to harness diverse perspectives and collective wisdom to drive meaningful and inclusive reforms.

 “This platform allows for open dialogue among stakeholders to shape a reform agenda that reflects the needs of the people and the realities on the ground. We aim to develop a police system that works for all Nigerians.”

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd), expressed his gratitude to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the German Government, and other development partners for their unwavering support in shaping a transformative police reform agenda.

 “We appreciate our partners for their technical and financial support, and for championing the reform policy review. This effort is about building a police service that is truly in service of the Nigerian people,” DIG Argungu stated.

Delivering a goodwill message, Mr. Christoph Sehotte, representative of the German Embassy, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s police reform agenda.
“Police reform is a cornerstone of strong democracy, the rule of law, and public safety. Germany is proud to support this critical process — not only through funding, but through practical and inclusive interventions that deliver real impact,” Sehotte stated.

He highlighted Germany’s efforts in facilitating trainings and workshops to build police capacity, foster gender equality, and promote community policing approaches that bring the police closer to the people and strengthen public trust.

 “We are proud of our successful collaboration with implementing partners such as the UNDP, the GS Foundation, and the CLEEN Foundation. Together, we’ve translated our support into concrete actions and visible results on the ground,” he added.

Mr. Sehotte also emphasised the strategic role of the Police Reform Secretariat, describing it as both a coordination hub and a potential think-tank for future policy development.
“Strengthening the Secretariat is essential for the long-term success of police reform in Nigeria. This forum is an important milestone  a moment to reflect on progress and shape the next steps toward a modern, accountable, and people-centred police service.”

He concluded by affirming Germany’s long-term commitment to the process and urged all stakeholders — civil society, government, international partners, and communities — to work together to build a police system that serves the people, supports justice, and promotes peace and stability in Nigeria.

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