The Federal Character Commission (FCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, transparency, and equal opportunities for all Nigerians in the ongoing Nigeria Police Force recruitment.

The federal character commissioner representing Lagos State, Abdulwasiu Bawa-Allah, made this known on Monday during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State police command headquarters in Ikeja.

Mr Bawa-Allah said the visit was part of the commission’s efforts to strengthen collaboration with the police command and monitor the recruitment process, ensuring adherence to the federal character principle.

He commended the command’s leadership for maintaining peace and stability in the state.

“The peace and stability that Lagos enjoys today is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the police command.

“Security agencies must continue to work together to sustain this progress,” he said.

Mr Bawa-Allah explained that the FCC is a constitutional body established to promote unity and inclusiveness among Nigerians.

He said the commission achieved this by ensuring equitable representation in federal appointments, employment, and the distribution of social amenities.

He noted that the federal character principle replaced the old quota system, which lacked structure and clear mechanisms for implementation.

“Federal character provides a systematic approach, ensuring every Nigerian feels included in political, economic, and social spheres,” he said.

Mr Bawa-Allah added that the commission’s team would work with relevant authorities over the next five weeks to ensure a fair and transparent recruitment process.

He emphasised that qualified applicants must participate without discrimination.

“As the commissioner representing Lagos State, I must ensure indigenes are not denied their rightful opportunities in federal institutions,” he said.

He also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s efforts in strengthening national security through reforms in the police force.

Mr Bawa-Allah said the recent decision to increase police recruitment from 10,000 to 50,000 officers was a significant step toward improving security nationwide.

“If there is any clear indication of the president’s commitment to security, this expansion of recruitment is one of them,” he said.

The commissioner disclosed that the new FCC board was sworn in on January 22, with a determination to ensure strict compliance with principles of fairness and inclusiveness across the country.

Responding, the Lagos State commissioner of police, newly promoted assistant inspector-general of police, Olohundare Jimoh, welcomed the FCC delegation.

He expressed appreciation for the commission’s efforts to ensure fairness in the police recruitment exercise.

Mr Jimoh described the increase in police recruitment as a landmark achievement that would strengthen the operational capacity of the Nigeria Police Force.

He said the exercise would help address manpower shortages and improve policing nationwide, particularly in Lagos, with an estimated population exceeding 25 million people.

“Lagos is a very complex environment, with a population comparable to about 10 states combined. Adequate manpower is therefore critical to effective policing,” he said.

The AIG assured the commission that the command would fully cooperate with the recruitment monitoring process to ensure transparency and integrity.

He emphasised that only applicants meeting the required standards of competence, discipline, and integrity would be selected.

Mr Jimoh added that the recruitment process would remain open and transparent, urging applicants to have confidence in the system.

“We are committed to ensuring that everyone who qualifies is given a fair chance, while transparency and merit guide the process,” he said. 

(NAN)