Senate President Godswill Akpabio has advocated for the creation of a merit-based reward system to recognize and uplift outstanding police officers in Nigeria—an initiative aimed at fostering professionalism, discipline, and public trust in the nation’s law enforcement.
Speaking at the Police Service Commission (PSC) Board Induction and Strategic Management Session in Ikot Ekpene on Monday, Akpabio—represented by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin—stressed the urgent need to institutionalize integrity over impunity, and merit over mediocrity within the Nigerian Police Force.
“The time has come to commend excellence, not just condemn failure,” he declared. “A reward system that celebrates officers who uphold justice, discipline, and selfless service is not only overdue—it is necessary for national renewal.”
Akpabio underscored the Senate’s readiness to back bold police reforms through legislation, including the review and modernization of outdated laws. He encouraged the PSC to embrace transformative policing models that prioritize empathy, conflict resolution, and community engagement—drawing inspiration from countries like Finland and Japan.
“Reform requires courageous disruption,” he said. “Singapore achieved police transformation through rigorous recruitment, transparent promotions, and fierce accountability. Nigeria must do the same—by building a police force that earns public trust, not fear.”
He challenged the PSC to redefine police culture by shifting focus from coercion to service. According to him, the honest officer who rejects a bribe should not walk away empty-handed, but should walk away with the assurance that integrity will ultimately be rewarded.
“Let us move from the culture of condemnation to the culture of commendation,” he emphasized.
To drive meaningful results, Akpabio called for the development of measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), deeper integration of technology in daily operations, and a data-driven deployment strategy—ensuring that performance, not politics, shapes rewards.
He acknowledged the persistent challenges facing the Nigerian Police, including funding shortfalls, outdated training methods, low morale, and public distrust. Yet, he urged the newly inducted PSC board to rise above these hurdles and leave behind a legacy of meaningful reform.
“Your appointment is not a privilege—it is a call to purpose, a mandate to serve, and an opportunity to redefine the future of policing in Nigeria.”
Akpabio concluded by reaffirming the National Assembly’s full commitment to supporting police reform efforts through legislation, oversight, and institutional collaboration—building a police force that serves as an engine of justice, not an instrument of fear.
