NPF Gender Policy: Argungu calls for sensitivity and balance, says  equity should be the bedrock of all-inclusive policing

By Ikechukwu Ani 

Chairman of the Police Service Commission, PSC, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu rtd, has called for gender sensitivity and balance in the management of the personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, even as Argungu identified equity as the bedrock of an all inclusive policing.

Argungu spoke while receiving a delegation of the Gender Policy team from the NPF, just as he reiterated the need for gender sensitivity and balance in the recruitment and distribution of responsibilities in the Police.

He further explained that diversity and disparity of human nature must be recognized in every aspect of human lives to ensure a successful human endeavour and commended the police for taking the bold step towards institutional transformation, assuring the delegation of the Commission’s full support in aligning its recruitment, discipline and promotion procedures with the principles outlined in the policy. 

The Chairman also emphasized the importance of creating a police institution that reflects equity, professionalism, and respect for human rights.

The leader of the 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 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 in the society.

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, and ensure that the police Force as a major security organ of government is able to effectively deal with gender- based violence and sexual abuse with the larger Nigerian society and also within the Force.

The AIG also stressed that child-bearing should be regarded as national service because in the process of procreating and it's concomitant struggles women tend to be negatively impacted in their career progression.

The Commissioner representing the Judiciary in the Commission, Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, rtd , in his brief remarks at the ceremony noted that justice is not served 'a la carte'. He maintained that gender issue should be guided by principle of natural justice and equality. 

 Galumje also stressed that women have a lot to do and that the society should stop discriminating against themselves. He said "there are no laws in the country that discriminate against women".

The Commissioner representing the Police in the Commission, DIG Taiwo Lakanu rtd,  

applauded the AIG for a job well done, noting that she has started well and promised that the Commission will not deter in giving all the necessary support to the Police efforts on gender policy.