The United Nations Development Program in collaboration with the Cleen Foundation – Justice Sector Reform, German Cooperation and other stakeholders have appealed to the Federal Government to increase funding for the police in the country.
The Executive Director of Cleen Foundation, Gad-shamaki Peter, made the call at a stakeholders training on “Citizens Engagement on Police Reform” in Maiduguri on Tuesday.
He said the request is aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the police force in maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety, and combating criminal activities.
According to him, adequate funding is crucial for the police to perform their duties effectively, citing “the current funding is insufficient, leading to challenges in police operations, inadequate training, and poor welfare for police officers.”
He explained that increased funding would enable the police to enhance their overall performance, allowing them to better serve and protect communities. This would lead to improved policing, more effective investigations, and a stronger, more visible presence in neighbourhoods, as well as greater accountability, transparency, and technological advancement.
He noted that the workshop focused on citizens’ rights and responsibilities in policing, including budgeting for the police. Participants discussed issues such as police accountability, transparency, and responsiveness to citizen needs.
He stressed that effective policing is critical to addressing the security challenges facing Nigeria and that the government must prioritize funding for the police to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens.
A Professor of Criminology and Sociology of Law, Etannibi Alemika stated that the problem in Nigeria is not the police but scarcity and lack of good governance, which is essential to solve security problems. He stressed that in reforming the police, Nigerians need to correct their children’s perception of the police.
“The major problem with the police is the government’s lack of monitoring and evaluating processes in reforming the police, inadequate funding, and failure to upgrade police salaries, leading to corruption and extortion. He concluded that Nigeria needs policing, not just police.
According to him, roadblocks have often been criticized for being ineffective, disruptive, and even confrontational. In contrast, patrols allow police officers to engage with citizens, build relationships, and respond promptly to emerging security concerns.
The call for a shift to patrols is part of a broader effort to reform police practices and promote community-led policing initiatives. By adopting a more proactive and visible presence in neighbourhoods, police officers can help prevent crimes, address citizen concerns, and strengthen community ties.
“By transitioning from roadblocks to patrols, police officers can become more approachable, responsive, and effective in their mission to serve and protect. By investing in social relations skills and digital technology, police can create a more effective, efficient, and community-focused policing system.”
Also speaking, Amb. Ahmed Shehu, a keynote speaker, “To have better policing, the government needs to address the root causes of crime, including poor healthcare, lack of access to education, and inadequate infrastructure.”
On his part, Yunana emphasized the police’s dual role of protecting citizens and punishing evil-doers, stressing the need for public support in protecting citizens. He also acknowledged that some police officers are corrupt and urged participants to speak out against their wrongdoing to find lasting solutions to police problems in Nigeria.
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