The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retired), on Tuesday made a case for strict adherence to the Gender Policy of the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, in the recruitment of the personnel of the Force.
Argungu believes equity should be the bedrock of all-inclusive policing.
Speaking while receiving a delegation of the Gender Policy team from the Nigeria Police Force at the PSC headquarters, Abuja, the PSC boss reiterated the need for gender sensitivity and balance in the recruitment and distribution of responsibilities in the Police.
DIG Argungu further explained that diversity and disparity of human nature must be recognized in every aspect of human life to ensure a successful human endeavour.
He commended the Nigeria Police Force for taking the bold step towards institutional transformation and assured the delegation of the Commission’s full support in aligning its recruitment, discipline and promotion procedures with the principles outlined in the policy.
The PSC Chairman also emphasized the importance of creating a police institution that reflects equity, professionalism, and respect for human rights.
The leader of the NPF Gender Policy team, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Aishatu Abubakar Baju during her presentation, highlighted the rationale for the revised edition of gender policy for the NPF, noting that the new Policy will ensure that the NPF, as an institution and Police Officers, can better appreciate the heterogenous nature, particularly the broad range of needs and interests of their target population.
“ The Police Force has the mandate to protect all interests and groups, including women and other vulnerable groups, and not just those of the most visible and privileged groups in society,” she said.
She further stated that the overall goal of the policy is to promote and protect human rights, social justice, and equity; eliminate all forms of gender-based discriminatory laws, regulations, and practices within the NPF.
The policy, she continued, also aims to ensure that the police Force, as a major security organ of government, is able to effectively deal with gender- based violence and sexual abuse within the larger Nigerian society and also within the Force.
The AIG also stressed that childbearing should be regarded as national Service, noting that in the process of procreating and its resultant struggles, women tend to be negatively impacted in their career progression.
Justice Paul Galumje, the Commissioner representing the Judiciary in the Commission, and DIG Taiwo Lakanu rtd, who is the Commissioner representing the Police in the Commission, applauded the NPF Gender Policy Team, assuring that the Commission will not hesitate to give all the necessary support to the team.
