The Police Service Commission (PSC) has unveiled plans for a proposed Training Institute, expected to serve as a global forum for civilian oversight bodies on policing and as a focal point for training in police oversight across multiple nations.
The proposal was presented by the PSC’s Chairman, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Hashimu Argungu, during a Senate Public Hearing at the National Assembly on October 30, 2024.
The hearing reviewed two bills: the Police Service Commission Training Institute (Establishment) Bill, 2024, and the Nigeria Police Force Training Institutions (Establishment) Bill, 2024.
The PSC Chairman, DIG Argungu, presented the institute as a center for international dialogue on civilian oversight, enabling enhanced accountability measures within law enforcement.
“The training institute will serve as a global forum of civilian oversight bodies on the police and, by extension, a biannual Police Service Commission Conference Centre,” Argungu stated.
He emphasized that the institute would also function as a training hub, providing specialized programs for PSC personnel and for officials from nations with similar oversight bodies, such as Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and Canada.
DIG Argungu highlighted the importance of in-depth police knowledge among PSC staff, stating, “The staff of the commission need to know more than enough about the police and its operations to successfully carry out its laudable functions of oversight.”
He added that the proposed institute would establish standardized protocols, charters, and treaties for oversight, aligning with international best practices.
Argungu also noted the need for the PSC Training Institute to operate on par with institutions established by other oversight organizations, such as the Judicial Service Commission, Civil Service Commission, and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which uphold training standards for their personnel.
He thanked Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Deputy President, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, and other National Assembly members for their support, describing the initiative as a crucial step towards “making the work of the commission seamless, tension-free, and result-oriented.”
In attendance with DIG Argungu at the hearing were DIG Taiwo Lakanu (rtd), Honourable Commissioner in the Commission; Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission; and other senior PSC officials.
