THE Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination and Head of the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit, Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman, has assured that the Police Service Commission (PSC) will be empowered to execute its constitutional mandate without interference.
Bala Usman gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja when she led a high-powered delegation on an engagement visit to the PSC headquarters. The meeting was aimed at identifying areas of support to enhance effective service delivery in line with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda of strengthening national security.
Speaking during the visit, Bala Usman emphasized that the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit (CRDCU) would work with the Commission to remove obstacles hindering its work.
“We will look at your mandate and will ensure you are allowed to do your work. We will de-bottleneck the problems and we will have a PSC that stands alone and not an attachment of any Ministry,” she declared.
She added that the visit was designed to “strengthen the collaboration between the PSC and the Ministry of Police Affairs and clarify the role of the Commission in the achievement of the Presidential Priority Area on strengthening national security for peace and prosperity.”
Responding, the PSC Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), highlighted the Commission’s most pressing challenges, chief among them inadequate funding and attempts by vested interests to hijack its constitutional role.
“The Commission is grossly underfunded and incapable of effectively and efficiently executing its constitutional mandate of Police recruitment, promotion, and discipline. This challenge is further compounded by attempts to hijack and dilute its mandate,” Argungu lamented.
He stressed that unnecessary interference from external quarters had created institutional conflicts that undermine the Commission’s independence. He urged Bala Usman’s unit to help safeguard the Commission from “these interlopers” so it can function optimally.
On funding, Argungu condemned the existing envelope budgeting system, which he said imposes ceilings that cripple the PSC’s ability to discharge its duties.
He recommended an independent budgeting arrangement, recalling that Section 15(1) of the PSC Act, 2001, mandates the Commission to submit its annual budget estimates directly to the President.
“The Commission requires a budgeting system that reflects its peculiar needs and ensures it has the resources to deliver on recruitment, promotion, and discipline within the Nigeria Police Force,” he stressed.
Despite the challenges, Argungu reaffirmed the Commission’s determination to uphold its policy of accountability and transparency, which he said is key to preparing the Nigeria Police for modern-day security challenges.
He also identified other areas requiring urgent support, including inadequate staff returns from the police, limited nationwide presence, and a public trust deficit.
The PSC delegation at the meeting included Justice Paul Adamu Galumje (rtd), Honourable Commissioner representing the Judiciary; DIG Taiwo Lakanu (rtd), Honourable Commissioner representing the Police; and Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission.
The engagement, facilitated by Bala Usman’s office, is part of ongoing efforts to align institutions with the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda on security, peace, and prosperity.