Establishment, Composition, and Functions of the Nigeria Police Council and Police Service Commission

Constitutional Legal Framework

  • Constitutional Mandate: The establishment of the Police Council and the Police Service Commission is grounded in the provisions of the Third Schedule, Part 1, Sections 27 and 29 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Nigeria Police Council

  • Composition:

    • Chairman: The President and Head of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
    • Members:
    • The Governors of the states.
    • The Chairman of the Police Service Commission.
    • The Inspector General of Police (IGP).

  • Functions of the Police Council:

    • To act as an advisory body to the President on matters affecting the organization and administration of the force.
    • The general supervision of the Nigeria Police Force.
    • Advising the President on the appointment of the Inspector General of Police.

Police Service Commission

  • Core Responsibilities:

    • The Police Service Commission is the body saddled with the responsibility of appointing, promoting, transferring, and disciplining the officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

  • Leadership:

    • The Chairman of the Police Service Commission is Mr Solomon fase.

  • Vision and Mission:

    • Vision: Making the country safer and secured for the attainment of National aspiration.
    • Mission: To deliver qualitative and efficient security and Law enforcement service to the citizens of Nigeria.

  • Constitution and Membership:

    • Established for the Federation, consisting of:
    1. A Chairman.
    2. Such member or other person not less than seven but not more than Nine as may be prescribed by an act of the Nigeria Assembly.

  • Powers and Functions:

    1. Appoint person to hold offices (other than that of IGP) in the force.
    2. To dismiss members of the force.
    3. To exercise disciplinary control over persons holding officers in the force.
    4. To make appointments, promotions and transfers.
    5. To confirm appointments.

Territorial Division of Command and Administration

  • Territorial Hierarchy of Command:

    • For the purpose of command and administration of the office, the federation is divided territorially into zonal commands comprising state police commands:
    • Police Zonal Command: Except the Zonal Headquarters, zonal commands are divided territorially into Police State Commands.
    • Police State Command: Sub-divided into Police Area Commands.
    • Police Area Command: Sub-divided into Police Divisions.
    • Police Division: Divided into Police Stations and Posts.

  • Territorial Boundaries:

    • Zonal Command Boundaries: The territorial boundaries of the Zonal Command shall confirm to the territorial boundaries of the state of the federation which it polices.
    • State Command and Area Command Boundaries: The territorial boundaries of the police state commands and Areas generally shall confirm to the boundaries of the administrative areas.