Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), has assured that the new Governing Board is introducing far-reaching reforms and is prepared to make genuine sacrifices to reposition the Commission for more effective police oversight in Nigeria.
By Chimezie Godfrey
Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), has assured that the new Governing Board is introducing far-reaching reforms and is prepared to make genuine sacrifices to reposition the Commission for more effective police oversight in Nigeria.
Argungu gave the assurance on Friday at the close of a two-day workshop on Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Effective Police Oversight, held in Abuja for PSC Board Members, Directors, and Heads of Departments and Units.
The workshop, organised with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under its Supporting Police Accountability and Transformation Project (SPAAT), also received funding from the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO). It aimed to strengthen the Commission’s internal governance structure and public accountability mechanisms in line with democratic and security reforms.
Argungu, while addressing participants, said the new Board is determined to reposition the PSC as a forward-looking institution grounded in global best practices.
“We have brought positive innovations and are ready to make sacrifices to make the PSC work — not only for the nation but for the staff. The Commission belongs to all of us, and if the staff do not individually care for the organisation’s progress, then the PSC is in trouble,” he said.
He emphasised the need for shared ownership and collective responsibility, adding that the Governing Board remains open to constructive criticism and collaboration.
“The Commission is bigger than any of us, and that’s why we must continue to share ideas and move together,” Argungu stated.
Also speaking, retired Supreme Court Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, who represents the judiciary on the Commission, said participants were returning to their roles more energised and focused on delivering results.
“We have spent two days here, and we are now fully prepared to do our work. I thank the President for the opportunity to serve, and we must not fail in meeting the expectations of Nigerians,” he said, while also commending the Senate and House Committees on Police Affairs for their legislative support.
On his part, UNDP Representative, Napoleon Enayaba, lauded the commitment shown by the current Board and staff throughout the sessions, pledging the agency’s continued support to police reform efforts in the country.
“I see commitment in this Board. Serving the people requires energy and dynamism. UNDP remains committed to this journey with the Commission,” Enayaba said.
The two-day training featured seven key paper presentations delivered by experts, including:
Understanding the PSC Mandate and Legal Framework – facilitated by DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd);
Strengthening Oversight and Accountability in the Police Force – facilitated by Dr. Otive Igbuzor, former PSC Board Member;