Senate Confirms Hashimu Argungu As PSC Chairman

The Senate, on Thursday, confirmed the appointment of DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (Rtd) as the new Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC).

The legislative body also approved the nominations of Onyemuche Nnamani as the Secretary and Fredrick Taiwo Lakanu as a member of the commission.

The confirmation was made following a report presented by Senator Abdulhamid Ahmed, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs.

The nominees were confirmed during a plenary session chaired by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who highlighted ongoing issues within the Nigeria Police Force.

Former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, raised concerns about the significant manpower deficit within the police force, citing a shortage of 20,000 recruits over the past two years.

This shortfall is attributed to a longstanding conflict between the PSC and the police leadership over the authority to recruit constables.

The Nigerian Police Force had been tasked with recruiting 10,000 officers annually over a six-year period during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The discord, which required intervention by the Supreme Court to resolve, has hampered recruitment efforts and contributed to staffing challenges.

Senate President Akpabio expressed hope that the new appointments would bring an end to the conflicts and help streamline the recruitment process.

President Bola Tinubu appointed Argungu to replace former Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, who was appointed by Buhari in January 2023.