Tinubu Administration Marks One Year: Nigeria Fully Embraces Community Policing – Minister Gaidam

Abuja, Nigeria – The Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, highlighted the significant strides made in Nigeria’s policing sector under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, emphasizing the full embrace of community policing as a key achievement. This announcement was part of the Ministerial Sectoral Updates marking the administration’s one-year anniversary, held at the National Press Centre in Abuja.

Minister Gaidam outlined the progress in the past nine months since his appointment, focusing on the collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the Ministry of Police Affairs to implement a Revitalized Police Agenda and Transformation Roadmap. This initiative aims to address current challenges and transform the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) into a modern, proactive, and efficient entity.

Key focus areas of the Renewed Hope policing vision include:

• Infrastructure Development: Enhancing the physical and technological infrastructure of the NPF.
• Technical and Operational Efficiency: Improving the operational capabilities and technical skills within the force.
• Welfare of NPF Officers: Prioritizing the well-being and support systems for police officers.
• Robust Policy Framework: Establishing comprehensive policies for effective policing.
• Public Trust and Community Policing: Strengthening community policing efforts to build public trust and improve citizen engagement.

Gaidam highlighted the establishment of the National Criminal Data Fusion Center (NCDFC) and the strengthening of the West African Police Information System (WAPIS) as major achievements. He also mentioned the automation of police specialized services, the launch of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS), and strategic shifts towards e-policing and enhanced safety measures on highways and trains.

The minister emphasized the focus on community-oriented policing, recognizing its importance in creating a safer environment across the nation. The Ministry has also promoted 3,071 education officers within the police education system, addressing salary arrears that had been owed for over five years. Additionally, the Police Pension Bill is under review to further enhance the welfare of police officers.

Under Gaidam’s leadership, the Nigeria Police Veterans Foundation has been established to support retired police officers, reflecting a commitment to comprehensive welfare reform within the police force.

As the Tinubu administration marks its first year, the Minister of Police Affairs reaffirmed the government’s dedication to transforming the Nigeria Police Force and ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians through community policing and other strategic initiatives.