By Adewole Kehinde
“When two forces unite, their efficiency doubles.” – Isaac Newton
Efficiency is the ability to achieve a desired outcome with the least amount of wasted resources, such as time, effort, or materials.
Efficiency plays a crucial role in achieving results by optimising resource utilisation, reducing waste, and maximising productivity, ultimately leading to faster and more effective outcomes.
Efficiency is not just about speed or quantity; it’s about the intelligent application of effort to maximise results. By working efficiently, you ensure that your efforts are aligned with your objectives, that you maintain focus and momentum, and that you manage your resources.
Efficiency involves careful planning, prioritisation, and execution. It’s about getting things done in a way that moves you closer to your desired outcomes without unnecessary detours or distractions.
Since he was appointed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has not relaxed on professionalising the Nigeria Police Force.
One of the ways to achieve efficiency in the engine room is through the Principal Staff Officers.
The PSOs typically play crucial roles in an organisation. They provide expert advice and counsel to the Inspector General of Police on various matters concerning their specific areas of expertise.
They also facilitate coordination among different departments and units to ensure that activities and operations align with the IGP’s goals.
The PSOs also assist in formulating strategic plans and policies, ensuring that they are feasible and effectively implemented, as well as overseeing the allocation and management of resources, including personnel, equipment, and finances, to optimise the Force’s efficiency.
Since coming on board with PSO1, no mail has spent up to 24 hours on his table, as all files are treated with the speed of light after careful scrutiny. Also, since PSO3 took over the handling of petitions, gone are the days of waiting for 3 months for your petitions to be assigned. No petition has stayed on her table beyond 24 hours.
The PSO1 and PSO3 have been working as a team to evaluate potential risks related to decisions and plans, helping the Nigeria Police Force management team to mitigate those risks appropriately.
The two officers have ensured that policies and regulations are adhered to within their respective areas, maintaining compliance with applicable laws and standards.
I have noticed increased productivity as more work has been accomplished in less time, boosting the overall productivity of the Force
Few people I spoke to were happy with the faster service delivery to their letters and petitions submitted to the Office of the Inspector General of Police, which has brought about higher levels of individual satisfaction.
The streamlined processes of letters and petitions to respective PSOs have reduced frustration among personnel, leading to increased job satisfaction and morale.
As the Inspector General of Police prioritised efficiency within the Nigeria Police Force, the more the Force keeps thriving in the long term as the Force adapts to changing economic conditions and resource availability.
The efficiency introduced by IGP Egbetokun has brought about better performance and results across various departments of the Police Force.
To further improve this efficiency, I will suggest regularly assessing processes and identifying areas where waste or inefficiencies exist as well as simplifying workflows and eliminating unnecessary steps.
I will also suggest the use of technology, such as sending emails to reply to some urgent letters and petitions. The PSO personnel should be provided with the tools and training they need to work efficiently.
Clear goals should be set to ensure that everyone is working towards the same outcomes, as well as regularly tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) should be in place to monitor progress and identify areas for improvement.
There is no doubt that with the PSOs on the side of the IGP, they have aligned the vision and operations of the Nigeria Police Force with the Federal Government’s agenda by reiterating their vision for a professionally competent, service-driven, and people-friendly Police Force, well-positioned to address contemporary crime.
Adewole Kehinde is the Publisher of Swift Reporters. 08166240846. @kennyadewole@gmail.com @kennyadewole
