The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Hashimu Argungu, mni, has restated the Commission’s commitment to building a professional and ethical Nigeria Police Force through fair appointments, merit-based promotions, and firm but just disciplinary measures.
Speaking at a Strategic Leadership and Change Management Retreat for Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) held at the National Institute of Police Studies, Abuja, Argungu said the PSC’s mandate of appointment, promotion, and discipline is “fundamentally geared towards one goal — building a professional and ethical Police Force.”
Delivering a lecture titled “Ethics and Professionalism: Bedrock of Policing Code of Conduct”, the PSC Chairman stressed that promotions must be anchored on merit, integrity, and professional competence. He further emphasised that disciplinary measures would be applied fairly while also advocating for improved welfare and working conditions for officers.
“It is difficult to be ethical when under immense financial pressure,” Argungu noted, adding that the Commission would continue to work with the Nigeria Police leadership to ensure that ethical officers are recognised, rewarded, and protected.
The retreat, organised by the Police Reform Secretariat in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), CLEEN Foundation, GS-Foundation, the Federal Foreign Office, and the Nigeria Police Force, focused on strengthening ethical values and professional standards in policing.
Highlighting the importance of ethics in policing, Argungu said they are the foundation for building public trust, ensuring legitimacy, upholding the rule of law, and maintaining accountability.
He reminded participants that police officers, as public servants with immense authority, must adhere to strict ethical codes to function effectively within a democratic society. 
Describing the unique role of the police, Argungu observed: “When government offices close, the Nigeria Police Force becomes the roving representative of the government, responding to emergencies, resolving problems, and ensuring citizens sleep peacefully at night.”
He outlined standards of conduct expected of officers, including obedience to lawful orders, incorruptibility, disciplined behaviour, and maintaining a sense of pride in their appearance both in and out of uniform.
The PSC Chairman reaffirmed that ethics and professionalism remain central to reforming the police and sustaining public confidence in the Force.
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