PWAN Pushes For Increased Collaboration Between Police And Media

Strengthening public trust in policing by ensuring gender-responsive law enforcement through effective implementation of the Police Act 2020 has been identified as key to police sector reforms in the country.

These issues formed the basis for a one-day Police and Media Dialogue Session convened by Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN), in Abuja.

The Dialogue is aimed at improving accountability, transparency, and collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the media.

The Executive Director of PWAN, Mrs Kemi Okenyodo, said that effective implementation of the Police Act 2020 remains central to building a professional, inclusive, and citizen-responsive police force, particularly for women, youths and other vulnerable groups.

According to Mrs Okenyodo, limited public understanding of the Police Act has contributed to mistrust and weak accountability, underscoring the need for sustained engagement between the police and the media to improve information sharing and public enlightenment.

“The Police and Media Dialogue provides a strategic platform for addressing challenges related to access to information, ethical and gender-sensitive reporting, and police accountability, while exploring practical approaches to strengthening cooperation in the interest of public safety and democratic governance.”

PWAN’s Executive Director also expressed optimism that the outcome from the dialogue would translate into concrete action which would enhance police and media relations across the country.

The dialogue session is part of PWAN’s project, “Enhancing Public Trust and Gender-Responsive Policing in Nigeria Through Effective Implementation of the Police Act 2020.”

Ebere Ukeje, Edited By Grace Namiji