The Senate on Thursday confirmed the nomination of DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (Rtd) as Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC). Alongside Argungu, Onyemuche Nnamani was confirmed as Secretary, and Fredrick Taiwo Lakanu as a member of the Commission.
This confirmation followed the submission of a report by Senator Abdulhamid Ahmed, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs, who represents Jigawa East.
During the session, former Senate President Ahmad Lawan highlighted a significant manpower shortfall in the Nigeria Police Force, noting a deficit of 20,000 recruits over the past two years. This shortage was attributed to a power struggle between the PSC and the police leadership regarding constable recruitment. The Buhari administration had mandated the recruitment of 10,000 officers annually for six years.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed disappointment that it required Supreme Court intervention to resolve the issue. He hopes that the new confirmations will prevent further conflicts between the Police and the PSC.
President Bola Tinubu appointed Argungu as PSC Chairman on June 10, replacing former Inspector General of Police Solomon Arase, who was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2023. Tinubu also appointed Onyemuche Nnamani as Secretary and DIG Taiwo Lakanu (Rtd) as a Member of the Commission.
