By Collins Ajibola,
The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (Rtd), mni, NPM, has charged officers of the Nigeria Police Force to embrace self-development as a core responsibility for building a more competent, ethical, and future-ready police institution.
This was contained in a statement signed by Collins Ajibola, Head of Strategic Communication and Public Outreach, Police Reform Secretariat
According to the statement, he gave the charge while addressing officers at a Strategic Leadership and Change Management Retreat for Divisional Officers of the Nigeria Police Force, held at the National Institute of Police Studies (NIPS). The retreat was organized by the Police Reform Secretariat in collaboration with the UNDP, GS-Foundation, and CLEEN Foundation, with funding support from the Federal Foreign Office of the Government of Germany.
Speaking on the topic “Ethics and Professionalism: Bedrock of Policing Code of Conduct”, DIG Argungu emphasized that while institutional training and workshops are important for career growth, it is personal commitment to self-improvement that ultimately distinguishes great officers from average ones.
“We are in an age where knowledge evolves rapidly. As officers, you cannot afford to rely solely on what you were taught five years ago. You must constantly seek growth intellectually, professionally, and ethically,” he stated.
The PSC Chairman identified key areas for officers to prioritize in their personal development journey, including intellectual growth, leadership intelligence, ethics and integrity, and digital literacy. He encouraged them to pursue continuous learning through reading, research, online courses, seminars, and higher academic qualifications. He further stressed that self-development must also extend to strengthening moral character and upholding integrity in public service.
Highlighting the impact of digital transformation across all sectors, he urged officers to acquire digital skills and adapt to emerging technologies in order to remain effective in modern policing.
The Chairman’s message was warmly received by participants, many of whom acknowledged the importance of taking charge of their personal and professional growth. His remarks were described as not just motivational, but a strategic call to action reminding officers that institutional progress depends on the growth of its people.
By calling on officers to take ownership of their self-development, DIG Argungu laid what many observers see as a solid foundation for a more dynamic and capable Nigeria Police Force, better prepared to meet the complex security challenges of today and the future.
