The Police Service Commission (PSC) has decried persistent attempts to hijack its constitutional authority and the chronic underfunding crippling its mandate of police recruitment, promotion, and discipline.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Commission’s media director, Ikechukwu Ani.
Chairman of the Commission retired DIG Hashimu Argungu raised the alarm during a visit by a Presidential delegation led by Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination.
Argungu stressed that unnecessary interference, staff shortages, and the “envelope budgeting system” were eroding the Commission’s efficiency. He recommended an independent budgeting framework as provided in Section 15(1) of the PSC Act 2001, warning that without institutional protection and adequate resources, the Commission cannot deliver a professional Police Force for 21st-century policing.
Responding, Hadiza Bala Usman pledged the Presidency’s support to safeguard the PSC’s autonomy, resolve bottlenecks, and strengthen collaboration with the Ministry of Police Affairs while ensuring the Commission is not treated as an appendage of any ministry.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
