Abuja: A Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), JB Daudu (SAN), has advocated for a higher minimum entry requirement for the Nigerian Police Force, suggesting a university degree or its equivalent. Daudu, who is the Coordinator of the Rule of Law Development Foundation, made the call at the 13th Webinar series organised by the foundation on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the webinar had the theme ‘Overview and Mid-Term Report of The Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (May 2023-May 2025)’. Daudu suggested that a more educated workforce would be better equipped to handle the challenges of policing as well as improve performance and effectiveness. He emphasized the importance of training entry-level officers in recognizing and enforcing fundamental human rights enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, and in handling firearms to prevent accidental discharges and other abuses.
Daudu highlighted the public perception of the police force as moribund and corrupt, with many Nigerians reluctant to report crimes due to fears of exploitation or being wrongly branded as criminals. He called for improvements in the police remuneration package and institutional support, including insurance, housing, timely promotions, healthcare, and educational support.
He also stressed the need to revise disciplinary protocols for security agencies, ensuring that errant officers face appropriate punishments for criminal offenses rather than mere civil disciplinary actions. He highlighted the need for punishment that fits offenses such as reckless misuse of firearms leading to harm or death.
Daudu proposed reconsidering the centralization of the Nigeria Police Force, expressing a shift in his stance on state police due to concerns about political maturity at the state level. He suggested that instead of creating state police, community policing could be a more viable option to maintain peace and security. He proposed establishing community police offices in each local government ward to monitor and report crimes, escalating issues to state police commands when necessary.
He underlined the importance of local government councils in maintaining law and order and combating corruption within community police units, advocating for strict punishments for officers abusing their power.
