CCIDESOR advocates moving from transactional to transformational policing practice in Nigeria
The Citizens Centre for Integrated Development and Social Rights (CCIDESOR), an NGO, has advocated moving from transactional to transformational policing practice in Nigeria through investing in structured communication, continuous dialogue and mutual respect.
The Executive Director of CCIDESOR, Dr Emeka Ononamadu, made the call in a policy brief statement on Thursday in Enugu, titled: “Strengthening Stakeholders’ Effective Communication to Sustain Mutual Accountability Forum and Scorecard”.
Ononamadu said that the policy brief statement was a fallout of the Mutual Accountability Forum and Scorecard initiative implemented by CCIDESOR in partnership with International Alert and supported by UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
He said that effective communication remained the cornerstone of trust and partnership between the police and the communities they serve.
Ononamadu, who is a former Resident Electoral Commissioner for INEC in Enugu, said that sustaining the Mutual Accountability Forum and Scorecards would institutionalise dialogue, transparency and shared responsibility — key drivers for effective policing and community safety.
He noted that key findings from Mutual Accountability Forums and Scorecard engagements held in Abia and Enugu States had revealed that “poor communication is the root of most misunderstandings between police and communities”.
He said, “We also found out that stereotypes and suspicion flourish when dialogue is absent, creating barriers to cooperation.
“Many citizens remain unaware of recent legal reforms, such as the provision under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) that forbids keeping suspects in police custody beyond 24 hours without arraignment.
“Transactional policing, often perceived as corruption, thrives in information vacuums — where communities believe all releases from police custody require payment.
“Regular dialogue platforms such as the Mutual Accountability Forum significantly improve understanding and reduce tension when institutionalised.”
The CCIDESOR boss said that by fostering mutual understanding through constant dialogue and communication, the police and communities could collaboratively tackle crimes; thus, achieving sustainable peace and development.
Ononamadu recommended that police authorities should Institutionalise regular Community–Police Dialogue; adopt a simple communication framework; integrate legal education into policing practice; promote inclusive policing and evaluation through monitor and report outcomes.
He urged Federal and state governments to provide budgetary support for community engagements; enhance police training; support digital tools for officers serving in communities; and decentralise policing oversight by strengthening Police Community Relations Committees (PCRC).
The CCIDESOR executive director called on the national assembly to legislate mandatory community accountability mechanisms; ensure oversight and evaluation; and encourage local policing frameworks.
He urged civil society organisations and development partners to strengthen advocacy for accountability; build capacity for dialogue; document and share best practices; and enhance citizen awareness among others.
