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How Police Affairs Is Transforming, Reforming, Refocusing National Security,
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF.
The Ministry of Police Affairs under the supervision of two Ministers, Senator Ibrahim Geidam and Hajiya Imaan Suleiman -Ibrahim along with the able technocrat, Dr Nasir Sani Gwarzo as Permanent Secretary have refocused not only the policy framework of the Ministry , but operations in it’s entirety with a view to delivering on the national security mandate of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.
Under the erudite political and administrative heads, and under the guise of the roles and mandates a lot of vision , transformation and road map towards ensuring a sane secured and highly organized environment was muted.
This is with a view to ensuring the safety and security of all and sundry, through provision of conducive environment to guarantee peaceful coexistence, among not only the citizenry but expatriates, so as to provide an enabling environment for socioeconomic development, sustained livelihood for the citizenry.
Hence under its new mandate , it formulated and implemented policies and programs that will ensure effective and efficient policing of internal security.
With the new role, the Ministry also provided technical and administrative support for the Nigeria Police Force NPF geared towards creating a conducive environment for maximum and secured nation.
It has initiated and implemented projects and programs that had direct bearing and will enhance the welfare of police, provide conditions for effective policing across the country.
As part of its pivotal roles under the Ministry, monitoring and evaluation of the overall implementation of policies, programs, and projects relating to policing and internal security of the nation.
The sensitization and engagements of appropriate stakeholders to promote funding and investment on policing, as well as participation of the citizenry on policing and security through possible feedbacks and law abiding.
On the whole, through review and evaluation, it is expected to liase with appropriate organs of government on matters relating to police council and internal security.
With the 16 deliverables within the specific presidential priorities ranging from priority 1 , 2, 3 which bordered on enhancing Police operationalization through digital technologies , using tracking , RMS, GIS among many others.
The second focus is to also develop and implement a harmonized police reform report, so as to chart a new way forward for the Nigeria Police Force NPF.
As part of the assigned presidential deliverables, it is expected to work the Ministry of Environment to mitigate the effects of desertification and climate change prevalent around the globe , with Nigeria not in exception.
The Ministry also set up an air squadron bases across the country with surveillance and attack drones and helicopters in the six geopolitical zones, to counter growing insecurity and threats.
The implementation of the presidential approval of recruitment of 30, 000 police officers for four consecutive years had already started in 2024, this is in view to harnessing security and safety of lives and properties.
The deliverables is expected from time to time to conduct review and develop policies in tandem with the new order, to reposition the internal security and also review policy for the operationalization of the Community Policing.
It is also expected to collaborate with the Ministry of Environment, develop and implement a climate.smart security strategy that will reduce the vulnerability of communities to climate related risks, and build resilience and resistance.
As part of presidential priorities and deliverables, the review of Police training curriculum to meet the best international standard through training and retraining of Police officers on global best practices, relating to crime practices, prevention, combating and the use of moden method and equipment.
Collaborate with Ministry of interior and relevant agencies of government to review, develop and implement an action plan to train agro -rangers.
Conversion of economically viable and police vehicles including machineries nationwide to alternative source of power, while it is expected to deploy and operationalise Enterprise Content Management System (ECM).
With the deliverables, vision to emerge as world class Nigeria Police Force NPF that will be fit for the 21st century, be inclusive, community based , intelligence- led and technologically driven, while excelling in maintaining public safety , law abiding, and fostering community trust through transparent and accountable practices.
With the road map to transform and reform the Nigeria Police Force NPF identified, the Ministry of Police Affairs, Nigeria Police Force NPF had developed and implemented gradually in phases a Renewed Hope Police Agenda and Transformation Roadmap, as a bold initiative that is capable of addressing existing challenges and reshape the Nigeria Police Force NPF into a modern , modest , proactive and efficient institution.
Though, a draft of the reform roadmap has been developed, and a broader stakeholders engagement under way, to ensure finalisation within the time frame of 2024 -2028.
The reform roadmap, a harmonisation of all previous police reforms reports in line with the presidential directives and approvals.
The reform reports which consisted of six included the 2006 Dan Madami led presidential panel set up by former President Olusegun Obasanjo , M.D. Yusuf panel set up by former President Umar Musa Yar’adua’s administration and Parry Osayande panel in 2012 convened by former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
Others are CSO panel on police reform in 2012, presidential panel on SARS reform in Nigeria in 2018 along with the presidential roadmap and police reform set by the immediate past administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, were all harmonized to give not only a broader view , but a lasting solution to the administration of police and deployment of internal security in Nigeria.
Having harmonised the divergent reports and views , the Ministry under the able leadership of two technocrats and politically exposed Ministers and assisted by highly experienced Permanent Secretary are focused to achieving the policing vision.
This was been done through massive interventions across six key areas with improved infrastructure development and utilization.
Determined to enhance technical and operational effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force NPF, so as to deliver on its mandate.
Improved wellness and welfare of the Nigeria Police Force NPF through provision of needed equipment and incentives, and development of a robust policy framework for policing in Nigeria.
The new Ministry is determined to strengthen community policing and public trust in the Nigeria Police Force NPF , as well as rebrand the Nigeria Police Force NPF to rebuild confidence of citizens in the force.
One year down the line , the focus on the agenda, vision and mission had been tackled headlong, through gradual implementation of the set goals in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda administration.
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially dissolved the board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which includes the removal of Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) Mele Kyari and Chairman Pius Akinyelure, along with all other board members appointed in November 2023.
In an announcement, the President introduced an 11-member restructured board, appointing Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the new GCEO and Ahmadu Musa Kida as the Non-Executive Chairman. These changes are effective immediately, as stated by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy.
Emphasizing the need for “enhanced operational efficiency, restored investor confidence, and a more commercially viable NNPC,” President Tinubu exercised his authority under Section 59(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 to implement this significant reorganization.
The newly formed board comprises Adedapo Segun, who continues as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), alongside six non-executive directors representing Nigeria’s geopolitical zones: Bello Rabiu (North West), Yusuf Usman (North East), Babs Omotowa (North Central), Austin Avuru (South-South), David Ige (South West), and Henry Obih (South East). Additionally, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, and Aminu Said Ahmed, representing the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, will serve on the board.
The President has charged the new board with conducting a strategic review of NNPC-operated and Joint Venture assets to optimize value. This includes increasing crude oil production to 2 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2027 and 3 million bpd by 2030, boosting gas production to 8 billion cubic feet daily by 2027 and 10 billion by 2030, and expanding NNPC’s refining capacity to 200,000 bpd by 2027 and 500,000 bpd by 2030. The administration also aims to attract $30 billion in oil investments by 2027 and $60 billion by 2030, building on the $17 billion secured in 2024.
Ahmadu Musa Kida, the new Chairman, is a Borno-born engineer and former Deputy Managing Director of Total Nigeria. He also has a background in basketball, having served as the ex-president of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF). Bashir Bayo Ojulari, the newly appointed GCEO, hails from Kwara State and was previously the Executive Vice President of Renaissance Africa Energy, where he led a $2.4 billion acquisition of Shell’s Nigerian assets. He brings extensive experience from Elf and Shell, having worked across Europe and the Middle East.
President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the outgoing board for their contributions, particularly their efforts in reviving the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, which have resumed production after years of dormancy. Analysts view this leadership change as part of Tinubu’s broader reforms in the oil sector, following last year’s removal of fuel subsidies and the promotion of private refinery investments. With the new team established, there are high expectations for enhanced transparency, efficiency, and profitability within Nigeria’s state oil enterprise.
Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources, says the federal government plans to commence implementing the drill-or-drop provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Section 94 of the PIA gives operators a period of three years to begin oil production or relinquish the assets to the federal government.
Speaking during the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting held on Tuesday in Florence, Italy, Lokpobiri said it is in the best interest of the country that all inactive wells go to work.
He said the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has provided every necessary incentive to ensure international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria run smoothly and profitably.
“Now, it is imperative for these industry players to match the government’s efforts with increased investment by announcing final investment decisions (FIDs),” he said.
Furthermore, Lokpobiri discussed “the challenges, expectations, and measures to enhance the sector’s contributions towards domestic energy needs and regional expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa”.
He emphasised that while IOCs have highlighted engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors as a challenge, “EPCs will not come unless they see strong commitments from industry players”.
“The government has done its part to provide the requisite and investment-friendly fiscals, the ball is now in the court of the IOCs and other operators to make strategic investment decisions that will drive increased production and sustainability in the sector,” he said.
“We must also recognise that domestic crude supply is essential to national energy security. The best solution to this challenge lies in increasing production, which will ensure a balance between domestic supply obligations and external commitments.”
The minister further urged industry players to explore collaborative measures, such as shared resources for contiguous assets and the release of underutilised assets to operators ready to invest in production.
The minority caucus in the house of representatives has condemned the killing of 16 Kano-bound hunters in Edo state.
On Thursday, a mob in the Uromi area of Edo killed 16 hunters of northern descent who were travelling from Elele, Rivers state.
The travellers were attacked and lynched after some vigilance group members raised the alarm on suspicion that they were kidnappers.
The Edo state government said 14 suspects arrested in connection with the killing would be transferred to Abuja for further interrogation.
During a visit to some of the families of the victims at Bankure LGA in Kano, Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo, assured that justice would be served.
In a statement issued on Monday, the minority caucus described the killing of the hunters as “barbaric”.
“We find such brutal killings of innocent Nigerians in any part of the country by lawless mobs very reprehensible, and if allowed to fester without being put in check by responsible organs of the federal government, such actions could threaten the peace and unity of the country,” the statement reads.
The lawmakers asked Nigerians never to resort to jungle attacks on fellow citizens but to always report any concerns to security agencies.
“We are a nation under the rule of laws, and our law enforcement agencies are always available to partner with every Nigerian to assuage their concerns,” the caucus said.
While noting that the incident is “already setting emotions on edge” in parts of the country, the legislators urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the security agencies investigate this matter and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Also, adequate compensation should be paid to the affected families,” the caucus said.
The lawmakers implored Nigerians to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding and allow the federal and state governments to investigate the matter and ensure justice is served.
The statement was signed by Kingsley Chinda, minority leader; Ali Isa, minority whip; and Aliyu Madaki, deputy minority leader.