By George Ozalla
The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), retired Deputy Inspector General of Police Hashimu Argungu, has restated the Commission’s commitment to building a professional and ethical Police Force in Nigeria.
Speaking at a Strategic Leadership and Change Management Retreat for Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) held at the National Institute of Police Studies, Life Camp, Abuja, Argungu said the Commission’s core mandate of appointment, promotion, and discipline is fundamentally geared towards one goal — strengthening professionalism and ethics in policing.
According to a press statement signed by Ikechukwu Ani, Head of Press and Public Relations, the PSC Chairman emphasised that promotions would continue to be based on merit, integrity, and competence, while disciplinary measures would be applied firmly and fairly. He added that the Commission is also advocating for improved welfare and working conditions, noting that “it is difficult to be ethical when under immense financial pressure.”
Argungu assured that the PSC would continue to partner with the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that ethical officers are recognised, rewarded, and protected. Delivering a lecture titled “Ethics and Professionalism: Bedrock of Policing Code of Conduct,” he said ethics and professionalism are central to policing because they build public trust, uphold the rule of law, and maintain accountability in a democratic society.
Highlighting the uniqueness of policing, the PSC Chairman observed that the Police are the only government security agency available to the public every day and at all hours, serving as first responders in emergencies and community problems. He explained that people sleep peacefully at night because the Police stand ready to protect lives and property.
He further outlined the standards expected of police officers, including prompt obedience to lawful orders, incorruptibility, strict discipline, and pride in appearance both in and out of uniform.
The retreat was organised by the Police Reform Secretariat in collaboration with UNDP, CLEEN Foundation, GS-Foundation, the Federal Foreign Office, and the Nigeria Police Force.
