A total sum of N1.5 Trillion will be spent over the next six years, to transform the Nigeria Police Force for effective service delivery in consonance with the Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government.
President Goodluck Jonathan made this disclosure, while declaring open the Police Service Commission 2014 Retreat on Thursday in Makurdi, Benue State.
The President who was represented at the occasion by the FCT Minister, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed (CON) revealed that 60 percent of the funding will come from Government sources, while the Organized Private Sector and other development partners will contribute 40 percent.
Dr. Jonathan further disclosed that the National Economic Council has also approved that 1 percent of the monthly allocations meant for States be deducted and used to fund the Nigeria Police reforms.
His words: “The statutory funding of the Police Reform Programme is in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
The President reiterated his recent statement at the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State during the Passing Out Parade of the ASPs and Cadet Inspectors that Government is committed to ensuring the continued improvement of the quality, capacity and numerical strength available to the Force and other Security Agencies.
Jonathan assured that the Nigeria Police Force must be repositioned to deliver on its mandate, as the lead agency in the maintenance of internal security.
He remarked that the theme of the Retreat “Sustaining Nigeria Police Reforms” is apt, as it will discuss issues such as Inter-Agency Collaboration; Police Partnership as well as the Impact of Police Reform in the Administration of Justice.
“These are important topics which, if well treated, at this Retreat will provide a framework for better and enhanced national security,” Jonathan stressed.
The President urged participants to pay special attention to the papers to be presented by experts with understanding of the security challenges facing the nation and the role of well-motivated Police Force in effectively combating them.
According to him, “Government considers it a sacred and important duty to guarantee the security and welfare of our people as well as protect the sovereignty of our country. The Police have an important role to play in this respect.”
Dr. Jonathan emphasized that the Police Reform Programme is intended to adequately equip the Force for this role, as the Government will not tolerate excuses for failure.
The Acting Governor of Benue State, Steven Lawani in his welcome address stated that the Benue State does not support the establishment of State Police in the country, as the time is not ripe.
He however called on the Nigeria Police Force to redouble its effort in stemming criminal activities especially that political happenings would soon be at their peak in preparation for the 2015 General Elections.
On his part, the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar called for delegated powers to the Police Commissioners and the Assistant Inspectors General of Police to promote any deserving Police other ranks since they already have powers to discipline.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Mike Okiro said that the outcome of the Retreat would form the basis for the Blueprint of the present Administration of the Police Service Commission.
