House of Representatives Urges Federal Government to Fund Police Recruitment and Training

In effort aimed at bolstering the capacity of Nigeria's police force, the House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to ensure adequate funding for the recruitment and training of police personnel across the country. This resolution was adopted following a motion on urgent public importance moved by Mr. Mitema Obordor, the member representing Ogbia Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, during the plenary session on Thursday.

Mr. Mitema Obordor

Addressing the Police Force Shortage

The House highlighted the critical need to address the substantial shortfall in the Nigerian police force. According to Obordor, Nigeria currently has a police-to-citizen ratio of one officer to 650 citizens, which is far below the United Nations' recommended ratio of one officer to 450 citizens. In view of Nigeria's growing population and escalating security challenges, Obordor argued that the ideal ratio should be one officer to 200 citizens.

"The country currently has a ratio of one police officer to 650 citizens, indicating a significant shortfall in the Nigerian police strength, and far below the United Nations recommendation of one police to 450 citizens," Obordor stated. This shortfall has significant implications for public safety and security, with many communities experiencing a surge in crime rates due to the reduced police presence.

Investigating the Standoff Between PSC and IG

The House also resolved to investigate the ongoing standoff between the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Inspector General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun, which has halted the 2023/2024 police recruitment process for nearly ten months. The legislative chamber's Committee on Police has been tasked with probing the causes of this dispute and finding a resolution that would allow the recruitment process to resume without further delay.

"The House calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria to provide adequate funding and resources necessary to support the recruitment and training of police officers," the resolution reads. It further urges the government to increase the number of police personnel to be recruited and ensure that the federal character provisions, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, are strictly adhered to during the recruitment process.

Implications of the Recruitment Halt

The impasse between the PSC and the IG has exacerbated the already critical shortage of police personnel, undermining the force's ability to effectively respond to security threats. Obordor lamented that the dispute has significantly weakened the Nigerian police's operational capacity, leading to increased crime rates and compromised public safety, particularly in Bayelsa State.

"The lingering dispute between the Police Service Commission and the Inspector-General of Police which has resulted in a halt in the 2023/2024 recruitment process exacerbates the existing shortage of police personnel, undermining the police’s capacity to effectively respond to security threats," Obordor noted.

The shortage of police officers has also eroded public trust in the police force and the government's ability to ensure security, making communities more vulnerable to criminal activities. Obordor stressed the importance of resolving the dispute and recruiting additional officers to strengthen Nigeria's security infrastructure and ensure the safety of its citizens.

Broader Security Implications

The House recognized that the ongoing dispute and resultant capacity shortage could have far-reaching national security implications. The lack of sufficient police personnel could potentially embolden terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements, further destabilizing the country.

"The House is also worried that the dispute between the Police Service Commission and the Inspector-General of Police which has resulted in a halt in police recruitment and the attendant capacity shortage and weakness of the Nigerian police may have far-reaching national security implications, potentially emboldening terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements," the resolution stated.

The Way Forward

The House called for immediate government intervention to address these pressing issues to provide the necessary funding and resources for police recruitment and training. This would involve increasing the number of recruits and ensuring that they receive adequate training to prepare them for the challenges they will face in the field.

"The House calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria to provide adequate funding and resources necessary to support the recruitment and training of police officers," the resolution emphasized. Additionally, the House urged the government to ensure that the federal character provisions are adhered to, promoting a fair and equitable recruitment process that reflects the country's diversity.

The resolution also called for the establishment of clear criteria and procedures for recruitment, including regular check-ins and collaboration with law enforcement agencies to ensure that new recruits adhere to their responsibilities and contribute effectively to the force.

Conclusion

The House of Representatives resolution underscores the urgent need for a robust and adequately funded police force to address Nigeria's escalating security challenges. By calling for increased recruitment and training, and investigating the standoff between the PSC and the IG, the House aims to strengthen the capacity of the Nigerian police and restore public confidence in the country's security apparatus.

The resolution also highlights the importance of addressing the underlying issues causing the recruitment halt, ensuring that the police force can operate effectively and respond to the needs of the population. As Nigeria continues to grapple with security threats, the resolution serves as a crucial step towards building a stronger, more capable police force that can safeguard the nation's future.

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