Address by His Excellency, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, GCFR
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Apr 11, 2008, 15:50

Address by
His Excellency, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, GCFR
At the Formal Presentation of the Report of the Presidential Committee on the Reform of the Nigeria Police Force
Abuja, Friday, April 11, 2008

PROTOCOL
I wish to start by thanking the Chairman and members of the Committee on the Reform of the Nigeria Police Force for the conclusion of their assignment and submission of their Report within the stipulated time. This is indicative of the high level of diligence and total commitment with which the Committee members have prosecuted this national assignment. The nation owes you a debt of gratitude.

On assumption of office, this Administration identified security and public safety as one of the critical areas of concern to both the Government and people of this country. The Nigeria Police Force, which is the primary institution charged with the responsibility of ensuring public safety and security, as well as the enforcement of law and order, was perceived by many Nigerians as corrupt, inefficient and ineffective. Its ability to maintain law and order, and secure life and property was constantly being challenged by the rising wave of crime and general insecurity in the country.

This situation continued to impact negatively on all aspects of our socio-economic life, effectively stunting our nation’s economic growth potentials.

Urgent action was required if we were going to restore the capabilities and effectiveness of the Nigeria Police and rebuild public confidence in the Force. It is to this end that we constituted this Committee of very eminent and experienced Nigerians to examine the state of the Nigeria Police Force and advise Government on ways and means of reforming it.

I recall, Mr. Chairman, that at the inauguration of this Committee, you made reference to the fact that past administrations had, as you put it, “chickened out" of implementing the recommendations of previous similar Panels and Committees, and expressed the hope that this Administration would not shy from implementing your Committee's recommendations.

However, I must say that failure to implement previous reforms cannot be divorced from the inherent challenge of meeting the colossal financial implications of seeking to remedy the deprivations which the Nigeria Police Force had suffered from decades of under-funding and neglect. I appreciate the fact that your Committee had anticipated this factor and you have thoroughly examined the cost implications of your recommendations.

I am glad to note that you have not only suggested additional sources of funding to complement what can be accommodated through normal budgetary allocations, but you have also proposed a phased approach to the implementation of your recommendations.

I wish to assure the Chairman and members of the Committee that Government will carefully study the Report and the very well articulated recommendations. This Administration is unequivocally committed to reforming our Police Service and your Report will lay the foundation for this exercise.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, once again, I thank you all for a job very well-done.

Thank you.

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