PSC Chairman Hashimu Argungu Urges New Police Management to Embrace Strategic Leadership, Accountability
The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Hashimu Salihu Argungu, has charged newly promoted Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) and Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) to adopt strategic leadership, transparency, and corporate governance in driving reforms within the Nigeria Police Force.
Argungu, a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, gave the charge while delivering a lead paper titled “Policing Strategic Leadership on Promoting Public Sector Governance, Accountability and Institutional Excellence” during a two-day induction programme for the newly promoted officers held in Abuja.
The PSC chairman stressed that modern policing requires innovative thinking, advanced training, and technological integration to effectively address emerging security challenges and restore public confidence in the police.
The induction programme was organised by the Police Reform Secretariat in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), CLEEN Foundation, and the Federal Republic of Germany.
According to Argungu, the Nigeria Police Force must move beyond traditional policing methods and adopt innovative strategies that align with global standards.
“The Nigeria Police Force must get better at anticipating emerging issues and thinking innovatively. In today’s digital world, old methods of intelligence gathering are becoming obsolete,” he said.
Citing management expert Peter Drucker, Argungu reminded the officers of the principle of “Innovate or Die,” urging them to leverage modern technology, particularly in handling electronic evidence and tackling cybercrime, to remain relevant in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
He also highlighted the importance of the Federal Government’s Corporate Governance Manual, noting that it clearly outlines the duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of board members, including those serving in the Force Management Team.
Argungu emphasized that accountability, transparency, and integrity must remain central to police operations, noting that officers are answerable not only to the law but also to the government, the National Assembly, the Police Service Commission, and the Nigerian public.
The PSC chairman further pointed out recurring complaints against police officers such as arbitrary arrests, unlawful searches, and the use of excessive force, urging the new leadership to address these issues decisively to rebuild public trust in the Force.
He explained that the induction programme covered key modules including ethical standards, financial regulations, and the role of oversight institutions in ensuring accountability within the police system.
The event, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja, brought together major stakeholders including the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs and the National Human Rights Commission.
Argungu described the forum as an important platform for strengthening collaboration among the Police Service Commission, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Police Reform Secretariat while promoting professionalism, ethical conduct, and institutional excellence in policing.
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