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The Challenges of Integrating Technology in Nigerian Policing
Security analyst Kabiru Adamu has highlighted the significant challenges that the Nigeria Police Force faces in integrating technology into its operations. Despite the government’s efforts to reform the sector, he argues that poor welfare and salary conditions remain a major barrier to these advancements.
Adamu praised President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for its emphasis on police reforms, particularly the integration of technology. He noted that performance metrics under the administration are partially tied to the effective use of modern tools by the police. However, he emphasized that the force is still dealing with fundamental issues such as low salaries, inadequate pensions, and poor housing conditions.
These basic problems, according to Adamu, divert attention and resources away from technological deployment. He pointed out that there are significant leakages within the security sector, making it difficult to secure funding for technology initiatives. “Where you are dealing with basic issues like salary, welfare, name them, then the technology, the methodology would suffer,” he said.
Recent protests by police retirees serve as evidence of these concerns. A few weeks ago, police retirees staged demonstrations in Abuja over unpaid benefits, describing their conditions as “inhumane.” Many serving officers supported the protest, acknowledging the poor welfare and living conditions they face.
Adamu commended the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for focusing on welfare, especially housing. However, he warned that decades of neglect will take time to address. “Because of the decay that the police have been in for a very long period, it will take a bit of time before he addresses those basic issues,” he said.
On the topic of technology, Adamu acknowledged some progress, such as the use of digital tools in arrest and prosecution. However, he insisted that broader structural reforms are necessary. He also called for stronger collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
“Most security organizations attempt to recreate their own structures. But I don’t think that where we are in Nigeria at the moment, they can even do that. They don’t have the funding. So why don’t they extend a handshake to that federal ministry? AI is an example. In today’s world, there’s very much that AI can do to support security functions, including policing,” he advised.
Nigeria continues to face persistent insecurity challenges, ranging from terrorism in the North-East to banditry, kidnapping, and violent crime across the country. Despite promises of police reforms from successive governments, the force continues to struggle with inadequate funding, corruption, and low morale.
The situation has led to calls for urgent action. With less than 400,000 personnel policing over 200 million people, there are growing concerns that without addressing welfare and funding issues, the police force will remain ill-equipped to tackle emerging threats.
Experts warn that without tackling these underlying problems, any technological advancements may not lead to meaningful improvements in public safety. As the nation grapples with these challenges, the need for comprehensive reforms becomes increasingly clear.