The House of Representatives has announced its resolution to investigate and settle the ongoing dispute between the Nigeria Police Service Commission and the Inspector-General of Police.
This conflict has resulted in a deadlock, stalling the 2023/2024 police recruitment exercise. This decision follows the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Metema Obordor, representing Ogbia Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, during a plenary session on Thursday.
Hon. Obordor, in his motion, highlighted that the Nigeria Police operates under the supervision of the Police Service Commission, which holds the authority to appoint, promote, and dismiss all officers within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), with the exception of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
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He underscored the critical need for an adequate police force given Nigeria’s vast population and current security challenges.
Obordor pointed out that the ideal police-to-citizen ratio should be one police officer to 200 citizens. However, the current ratio stands at one police officer to 650 citizens, a significant shortfall from the United Nations recommendation of one police officer to 450 citizens.
This deficiency has been exacerbated by the dispute between the Police Service Commission and the Inspector-General of Police, which has halted the recruitment process for nearly ten months.
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Expressing concern over this impasse, Obordor noted that the suspension of the recruitment process has further strained the already insufficient police force, compromising their ability to effectively respond to security threats.
He emphasized the urgency of resolving the dispute and resuming recruitment to strengthen the Nigeria Police Force, advocating for adherence to either the national goal of one police officer per 200 citizens or the UN’s recommendation of one officer per 450 citizens.
“The shortage of police personnel has led to reduced police presence in communities, resulting in a surge in crime rates, particularly in Bayelsa State,” Obordor stated.
“This situation compromises public safety, erodes trust in the police force, and undermines the government’s ability to ensure security.”
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Obordor also warned of the broader national security implications, suggesting that the ongoing conflict and recruitment halt could embolden terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements.
In response to the motion, the House has mandated its Committees on Police to investigate the root cause of the dispute between the Police Service Commission and the Inspector-General of Police.
The committees are tasked with resolving the conflict and expediting the recruitment process, with a report due back in four weeks.
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However, the House called on the Federal Government to provide adequate funding and resources to support the recruitment and training of police officers.
It stressed the importance of increasing the number of police personnel in alignment with the federal character provisions outlined in the 1999 Constitution.