By Adewole Kehinde
The recent inauguration of the Police Service Scheme and Condition of Service Committee by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, marks a bold and commendable step toward repositioning the Nigeria Police Force for greater professionalism, welfare, and operational efficiency.
For decades, the welfare and service conditions of police officers have remained a sore point, contributing to low morale, inefficiency, and in some cases, misconduct.
The absence of a clearly defined, modernized, and realistic service scheme has meant that promotion bottlenecks, inadequate remuneration, and poor retirement benefits continue to hinder the Force’s ability to attract and retain the best personnel.
IGP Egbetokun’s initiative comes at a time when public trust in the police is being tested.
By setting up a committee to review and upgrade the service scheme and conditions of service, the leadership is signaling a willingness to address the root causes of systemic challenges rather than merely firefighting their symptoms.
This move could lead to reforms that touch recruitment standards, training, promotions, allowances, housing, healthcare, and post-retirement benefits—issues that directly affect police performance on the field.
It is worth noting that improved conditions of service are not just a welfare issue; they are a national security imperative.
A well-motivated police officer is less vulnerable to corruption, more committed to duty, and better equipped to serve the public with dignity and professionalism.
However, this laudable step must not end as another well-intentioned committee report gathering dust.
Stakeholders, including the Police Service Commission, Ministry of Police Affairs, civil society, and the National Assembly, must support the committee’s recommendations and ensure their speedy implementation.
IGP Egbetokun has opened a window for genuine reform. If matched with political will and adequate funding, this development could lay the foundation for a more modern, trusted, and effective Nigeria Police Force—one that serves with fairness, courage, and compassion.
Adewole Kehinde is a public affairs analyst. 08166240846. @kennyadewole @kennyadewole@gmail.com
