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Foundation demands effective implementation of Police reforms

Foundation demands effective implementation of Police reforms

The CLEEN Foundation has said that a lack of political will is a stumbling block to implementing the nation’s policing system.

It said despite numerous attempts by various administrations, progress remains stagnant.

Successive governments have struggled to effectively implement key presidential committee recommendations to improve the justice system.

While some legislative advancements have occurred since 2015—such as the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and the Police Trust Fund Act—the perceived lack of political will continues to hinder substantial change.

In response to these challenges, CLEEN Foundation, a non-governmental organisation focuorganizationc safety, security, and accessible justice, organised a two-dorganizedns’ Engagement workshop under its MacArthur Foundation project.

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The event, which took place across several states in the Southsouth and Northwest regions, including Cross River, Delta, Edo, Katsina, Jigawa, and Sokoto, aimed to foster collaboration between citizens and justice sector actors.

CLEEN Foundation’s Programme Director, Mr. Salaudeen Hashim, discussed the initiative’s goals: to strengthen the policing system and align it more closely with ordinary Nigerians’ needs.

He stressed the importance of addressing the prevailing perception that justice and security are often dictated by regime security rather than citizens’ genuine human security needs.

Mr. Hashim outlined the workshop’s objectives, which included creating a platform for stakeholders to reflect on the importance of citizen engagement in policing reforms and assessing how accountable justice actors are in implementing Nigeria’s Administration of Criminal Justice Regime.

The event facilitated discussions on emerging issues and led to actionable recommendations to improve collaboration between citizens and security agencies.

The workshop revealed several critical challenges faced by the police, including inadequate equipment, insufficient training, and a significant lack of public trust.

Mr Hashim noted that enhancing oversight and strengthening the entire policing system is essential to safeguarding citizens and restoring public confidence.

He emphasized that emphasises reforms hinge on political will, operational efficiency, and support from various stakeholders.

Addressing public trust challenges, Mr Hashim pointed out that the gap between strategic-level officers and the officers on the ground complicates the reform process. He underscored the importance of involving citizens in the policing infrastructure, asserting that the system must reflect the community’s values and address existing gaps.

Another significant finding from the workshop was the gender bias in some policing laws. For example, Nigerian Police Force Orders prohibit unmarried women from enlisting, while no similar restrictions exist for men.

The Armed Forces Act also allows for women’s inclusion, but their representation remains disproportionately low.

These discriminatory provisions highlight the urgent need for legal reviews to ensure gender parity and responsiveness to contemporary policing needs.

Mr. Hashim asserted that genuine reform requires robust political support regarding political interference. While there appears to be some backing at the national level, challenges persist at sub-national levels, which can impede progress.

He hoped local governments would align their visions with national efforts to create a cohesive approach to policing reforms.

The research conducted by the CLEEN Foundation indicates that Nigerians desire a modern policing system that respects human rights and fosters trust within communities. Citizens seek a police force that is protective and proactive rather than punitive and suspicious.

Addressing the broader context of insecurity, Mr Hasheem emphasized the importance of economic stability.

He stated that without addressing issues of economic disenfranchisement and poverty, the rise of criminality will likely continue.

He argued that improving economic conditions could reduce insecurity by as much as 50%, fostering a safer environment for all.

Source: Thenationonline Newspaper

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