Nigeria seeks EU support for police reforms
By Kunle Sanni
The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has called for the European Union’s (EU) support in advancing police reforms in Nigeria, emphasizing the government’s commitment to building a more professional and responsive police force.
Gaidam made this appeal during a courtesy visit by the European Union’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, and his delegation at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
He highlighted ongoing police reform efforts aimed at enhancing effectiveness, accountability, and community engagement within the Nigeria Police Force. Key areas of focus include improved training, optimized resource allocation, and stronger oversight mechanisms to boost transparency and public trust.
The Minister acknowledged the European Union’s contributions to security initiatives in West Africa, particularly through the West Africa Police Information System (WAPIS).
Supported by INTERPOL, WAPIS has strengthened law enforcement agencies across the region by facilitating electronic information sharing to combat crimes such as drug trafficking, human smuggling, and terrorism.
Gaidam emphasized the need for sustained EU funding to ensure the full rollout and implementation of WAPIS across all ECOWAS countries and Mauritania, noting that funding for the initiative, which began in November 2017, is set to continue until May 2025.
“With Nigeria and the West African region facing persistent security challenges, securing continuous EU funding is crucial for the sustainability of WAPIS,” Gaidam stated. He also called for additional technical assistance and capacity-building support to further strengthen law enforcement in Nigeria.
In response, Ambassador Gautier Mignot reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security framework, noting that the Ministry of Police Affairs remains a key partner in their cooperation.
