The Inspector General of Police (I-G), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, has announced a series of mandatory training programs aimed at improving the professionalism and ethics of the Nigeria Police Force. Starting in January 2025, all officers—from recruit constables to superintendents—will be required to undergo these specialized courses.
What the Training Entails
Speaking at the National Summit on Police Accountability in Abuja, Egbetokun revealed that the new programs will focus on policing ethics, professional conduct, and re-orientation. These courses are designed to strengthen officers’ understanding of their roles and responsibilities, emphasizing accountability and ethical behavior.
“The Nigeria Police Force is committed to enhancing the training and retraining of its officers,” Egbetokun said. The summit, themed “The External, Internal, and Stakeholder’s Accountability Strategies and Mechanism of the Nigeria Police Force/Services,” was organized in collaboration with Cleen Foundation and supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Focus on Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding
In addition to ethics and conduct, the police force will also partner with the Society for Peace Study and Practice to train officers in alternative dispute resolution, peacebuilding, and conflict management. These skills are expected to help officers handle disputes more effectively and promote peace in their communities.
Officers will also attend refresher courses and participate in training programs supported by both local and international organizations. The goal is to equip the force with modern policing techniques and improve community relations.
Building a More Accountable Police Force
Mr. Peter Maduoma, Acting Executive Director of Cleen Foundation, highlighted the importance of integrity and respect for human rights in effective policing. He noted that enforcing the law is only one aspect of policing; officers must also uphold high standards of transparency and accountability.
Dr. Etannibi Alemika, a guest speaker at the event, stressed the need for an independent police force to ensure greater accountability. According to Alemika, police independence is crucial for effective policing and fostering public trust.
The Road Ahead
These reforms mark a significant step toward improving Nigeria’s policing standards. By focusing on ethics, conflict resolution, and continuous training, the police aim to build a force that is not only effective in law enforcement but also respected by the communities it serves.
With these initiatives set to roll out in 2025, the public and stakeholders will be watching closely to see if the reforms translate into better policing outcomes and enhanced accountability across the country.
