Bawa-Allah monitors police constable recruitment in Lagos, assures fairness The Commissioner representing Lagos State at the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Abdulwasiu Kayode Bawa-Allah, has inspected the ongoing recruitment exercise for constables into the Nigeria Police Force. He assured applicants of fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity throughout the recruitment process. Bawa-Allah spoke yesterday during a monitoring visit to the screening centre at the Nigeria Police College, where candidates are currently undergoing verification and screening as part of the nationwide recruitment exercise. The FCC commissioner said the exercise, which began last Monday across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is expected to run for six weeks, during which applicants who had earlier indicated interest will be screened. According to him, the FCC is closely monitoring the process to ensure that the principles of federal character, fairness, equity, and transparency are upheld. “As you know, the recruitment of constables into the Nigerian police force is ongoing across the country, and Lagos is not an exception,” Bawa-Allah said. “I came personally to observe the exercise that the staff of the Federal Character Commission in Lagos have been monitoring, to speak with officers on the ground and see the challenges they may be encountering so that we can help address them.” He disclosed that an average of about 80 candidates have been reporting daily for screening at the Lagos centre. “On a daily basis, we are seeing an average of about 80 candidates. Over the next six weeks, we expect that all those who applied will show up for their screening and verification,” he said. Bawa-Allah noted that although the exact number of female applicants has yet to be determined, there appears to be a growing interest among women seeking to join the police. “The number of women has not been fully determined yet because it varies daily, but from what I have observed today, more young women are showing interest in joining the Nigerian police force. That is quite impressive,” he said. He added that the expectation of the commission is that all applicants will be given equal opportunity to compete and that only those who meet the requirements of the police will eventually be selected. “Our goal as the Federal Character Commission is to ensure that the process is fair and transparent and that every applicant is given a level playing field,” he said. The commissioner also encouraged parents to support their children, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds, to participate in the recruitment process. He described the police as a critical component of Nigeria’s security architecture, stressing that strengthening the force would enhance peace and development. “The Nigerian police force is essential for the protection and security of the country. When a nation gets its police force right, then it has taken a major step towards securing the country,” he said. “Prosperity and progress can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and security.” Related News Bawa-Allah commended the decision of President Bola Tinubu to increase the number of recruits from 10,000 to 50,000, describing it as a bold step toward addressing security challenges across the country. According to him, the move demonstrates the President’s commitment to improving national security. He also praised the Lagos State Government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for sustaining relative peace in the state, despite its huge population and economic activities. “Lagos has enjoyed relative peace, and that is not by accident. It is the result of deliberate efforts by the governor, the support of the President, and the hard work of the police command in the state,” he said. Bawa-Allah noted that policing Lagos, with a population estimated at over 23 million people, remains a challenging task due to the influx of residents from across the country. “Every Nigerian is in Lagos pursuing economic activities. Managing security in such a large and dynamic state is not easy, so the police deserve commendation,” he added. The commissioner also lauded the leadership of the FCC Chairperson, Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, for encouraging commissioners to visit their respective states to monitor federal recruitment processes. He equally acknowledged the role of the police authorities overseeing the recruitment exercise. Bawa-Allah also paid a courtesy call on the former Commissioner of Police at Lagos Command, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, who was recently promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG). He commended the officer for his leadership and efforts in maintaining law and order in the state during his tenure. Bawa-Allah specifically recalled how the police command effectively managed a tense situation during a protest on the Third Mainland Bridge, preventing a breakdown of law and order. According to him, the swift response of the police helped avert chaos and maintain calm in the city. He further highlighted Lagos State’s investment in complementary security structures, including the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), which he said have strengthened community safety. Bawa-Allah said these initiatives demonstrate Lagos State’s proactive approach to security and governance. He added that if the proposed state police structure eventually becomes a reality in Nigeria, Lagos is well-positioned to play a leading role due to its existing security framework. “Lagos has always been ahead in many initiatives, including traffic management and neighbourhood security. If state police eventually becomes a reality, Lagos will certainly play its role effectively,” he said.