For Immediate release
20.10.25
Abuja
CLEEN Foundation Assessing the Post -#EndSARS Protest Effect on Police Reform: Lessons and Opportunities
CLEEN Foundation joins Nigerians in reflecting on the state of police reform five years after the #EndSARS protests that shook the conscience of the nation and amplified citizens’ demand for justice, accountability, and respect for human rights in law enforcement. The protests of October 2020 were a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic evolution — a clarion call for a more humane, professional, and accountable police service.
In the years following #EndSARS, the Federal Government, Police leadership, and civil society organizations have initiated a range of reforms — from the establishment of judicial panels of inquiry and compensation mechanisms for victims, to the review of police operations and the launch of community-oriented policing frameworks as well as recently approved increase in the Nigeria Police trust Fund from 0.5% to 1% by the Council of State. However, the pace and depth of reform remain uneven and, in some cases, symbolic rather than systemic.
CLEEN Foundation’s assessment reveals that while progress has been made in areas such as training, community engagement, and policy development, core challenges persist: inadequate funding, weak oversight, limited transparency in disciplinary processes, and poor welfare for police personnel continue to undermine trust and performance.
We believe that the post-#EndSARS era presents an opportunity to deepen accountability reforms by:
- Fully operationalizing the Police Public Complaints Response Unit (PPCRU) and ensuring citizen access to redress.
- Strengthening the Police Service Commission (PSC) to exercise its oversight mandate effectively and independently.
- Accelerating the implementation of the Police Act 2020 and other legal frameworks that promote professionalism and respect for human rights.
- Internalizing the Police Regulation to operationalize the Police Act
- Investing in technology-driven policing, improved training, and welfare enhancement for officers.
- Institutionalizing CLEEN Foundation’s annual Police Accountability Summits as a platform for reflection, learning, and reform tracking.
The Foundation calls on all stakeholders — the government, civil society, media, and the public — to sustain dialogue and collaborative action toward building a modern, democratic, and accountable police institution. The lessons of #EndSARS must not be forgotten; rather, they should inspire a new era of reform that prioritizes justice, human dignity, and the rule of law. Join CLEEN Foundation on Wednesday 22nd at 2pm to advance this conversation and reflection.
CLEEN Foundation remains committed to supporting police reform efforts through research, advocacy, training, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that Nigeria’s policing institutions serve and protect all citizens with fairness and integrity.
Signed:
Peter Maduoma
Ag. Executive Director