CLEEN Foundation Calls For Policing Reforms To Boost Accountability, Professionalism

In a comprehensive policy brief issued following a series of workshops across eight Nigerian states, the CLEEN Foundation, a non- profit organization has outlined critical recommendations for improving the country’s policing framework. 

The workshops, held under the CLEEN Foundation’s MacArthur Foundation-funded project, focused on citizens’ engagement in policing reforms and the accountability of justice sector actors. The policy brief provided a wide range of solutions aimed at addressing the key challenges plaguing Nigeria’s policing system.

Among the most significant recommendations were calls for improved capacity building for security personnel, enhanced welfare for police officers, and the establishment of citizen oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability.

According  to the organization, the recommendations were crafted after a thorough assessment of the current state of policing in the country, revealing widespread issues related to unprofessional conduct, poor communication, and gaps in awareness of legal provisions among both law enforcement officers and the general public.

The policy brief emphasized the need for targeted capacity-building programs for security personnel, focusing on professional conduct and legal education. According to the report, many law enforcement officers lack adequate knowledge of the legal framework governing their work, contributing to unethical behavior and abuse of power. As a result, CLEEN Foundation has called for comprehensive legal education campaigns to raise awareness of citizens’ rights and the obligations of police officers under the law.

Another critical area of concern is the welfare of police officers, which the CLEEN Foundation has identified as a key factor affecting the performance and professionalism of law enforcement personnel. The report recommends significant improvements in working conditions, including better welfare packages, promotions, and recognition for officers who demonstrate excellence in their duties.

The policy brief also highlights the need for modern policing tools and technological equipment to enhance the capacity of security personnel to perform their duties effectively. 

Additionally, it calls for increased recruitment of law enforcement officers, particularly from local communities, to address the chronic manpower shortage in the policing sector.

One of the recommendations of the report is the establishment of robust citizen-security engagement platforms. These platforms would provide opportunities for regular dialogue between the public and law enforcement agencies, allowing citizens to voice their concerns and hold security agencies accountable. 

The workshops held by CLEEN Foundation revealed a significant disconnect between citizens and the police, contributing to a lack of trust in law enforcement institutions. By fostering ongoing communication and transparency, these engagement platforms could play a vital role in rebuilding public confidence in the police.

The report also stressed the importance of recruiting personnel from local communities, particularly in states with acute security challenges. This would not only boost manpower but also promote a sense of ownership and collaboration between the police and the communities they serve. CLEEN Foundation recommended that community leaders be involved in the recruitment process to ensure transparency and accountability.

Meanwhile , the policy brief drew on findings from workshops held across three regions of Nigeria: South-South, North-West, and North-Central/North-East and in each region, specific challenges were identified, along with targeted solutions.

In the South-South region (comprising Cross River, Delta, and Edo states), challenges included a lack of public awareness of legal provisions, unprofessional conduct by security personnel, and inadequate citizen oversight of policing institutions. 

In Delta State, however, some positive strides were noted, such as the establishment of the Delta State Security Trust Fund and the “Peace Ambassadors,” a local policing group in Ibuzo that complements formal police structures.

For the North-West region (Katsina, Jigawa, and Sokoto states), unethical conduct among law enforcement officers and a disregard for the rule of law were major concerns. Stakeholders in this region recommended measures to promote ethical conduct and professionalism, improve communication between law enforcement agencies, and ensure transparency in the recruitment process.

In the North-Central and North-East regions (Kwara and Bauchi states), the focus was on improving the recruitment process. 

CLEEN Foundation recommended a joint police-community screening template to vet individuals joining law enforcement agencies and ensure that only qualified, vetted candidates are recruited. Joint training of security personnel across different agencies was also suggested to foster professionalism and collaboration.

CLEEN Foundation’s recommendations also offered  a roadmap for addressing the systemic issues affecting Nigeria’s policing system. The proposed reforms focus on strengthening the rule of law, improving the relationship between citizens and law enforcement, and ensuring that security personnel are equipped with the necessary skills and resources to perform their duties effectively.

The policy brief also emphasized the need for political will to drive these reforms forward, noting that without sustained commitment from government authorities, the challenges facing Nigeria’s police force will continue to persist. The implementation of these recommendations could lead to a more effective, transparent, and accountable policing system that better serves the Nigerian public.

Ultimately, the success of these reforms will depend on the collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations, and the citizens themselves. By engaging with the public and prioritizing accountability, Nigeria can create a policing system that is not only effective but also responsive to the needs of the people.