Nigeria Currently Has A One Police Officer To 650 Citizens Ratio, That Must Improve – House of Reps

The House of Representatives has come out to urge the Federal Government to make provision for the adequate funding of recruitment and training of police personnel in the country.

The member representing Ogbia Federal Constituency, Bayelsa State, Mr Mitema Obordor recently had this to say during Thursday’s plenary, and Nigerians have been reacting.

According to him, FG must offer proper funding to aid the recruitment and training of police officers in the country because doing so ensures that the federal character provisions as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution are strictly adhered to.

He added that the nation currently has a ratio of one police officer to 650 citizens, and that is a huge shortfall in the Nigerian police strength.

His words, “The House calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria to provide adequate funding and resources necessary to support the recruitment and training of police officers.

The House also impressed on the Federal Government to increase the number of police personnel to be recruited and in doing so, ensure that the federal character provisions as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution are strictly adhered to.

The country currently has a ratio of one police officer to 650 citizens, indicating a significant shortfall in the Nigerian police strength, and far below the United Nations recommendation of one police to 450 citizens.

The lingering dispute between the Police Service Commission and the Inspector-General of police which has resulted to a halt in the 2023/2024 recruitment process exacerbates the existing shortage of police personnel, undermining the police’s capacity to effectively respond to security threats.

The House recognizes the critical need to strengthen the Nigerian Police Force by setting a ratio of one police officer to 200 citizen, or adopt the United Nations recommendation of a ratio of one police officer to 450 citizens to address the escalating security challenges facing our nation;

The House recognises that the resolution of the lingering dispute between the police service commission and the Inspector-General of police, and the recruitment of additional police officers are crucial to bolstering Nigeria’s security and ensuring the safety of citizens.”