The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) said it will name its new national headquarters, currently under construction, after the late inspector-general of police, Etim Inyang.
National chairman of the PCRC, Alhaji Mogaii Ibraheem Olaniyan, who stated this at the PCRC opening year ceremony in Abuja yesterday, said the idea is to immortalise the late Inyang, who established the PCRC.
Olaniyan further said the current IGP, IGP Olukayode Egbetekun, who brought the dream for PCRC national secretariat to fruition will also be appreciated when the project is completed.
Speaking on the event, the PCRC chairman said: “This opening year ceremony is designed for stakeholders to use the PCRC platform to suggest ways the community can support the police achieve a better service delivery to the community. Criticizing the police from the fence cannot solve our security challenges but a collective community resolve to address it can go a long way to downgrading insecurity in Nigeria. PCRC is calling for all hands to be on deck in this regard. In our letters of invitation, we requested for written submissions. Those who came with theirs can indicate so we start with them at the appropriate time.
“The theme of our celebration this year Is, ‘Strengthening The PCRC System For Optimum Service Delivery . By the choice of the theme , Strengthening the PCRC System For Optimum Service Delivery, the PCRC is making an avowed commitment to triple our efforts in our service to the nation and humanity by drawing from experiences and lessons learned over the past 40 years to deepen collaboration with stakeholders to support the police and sister security agencies to address community and national security challenges.
“In the two years of my administration, | have toured round 34 out of the 36 states of Nigeria to assess PCRC presence and functionality .
In the next 10 days , we shall be visiting Bayelsa , one of the two remaining states, to enable us take the right decisions on the PCRC there . We have made it clear to our people that the years of docile and rudderless PCRC are over.”
Also speaking, the special guest of honour at the event, IGP Egbetekun, who was represented by AIG Zone 7, Bennett Igwe pledged continued support for the PCRC.
Also speaking, the chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC),
DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd) said, “The Police Community Relations Committee has long been instrumental in transforming policing through grassroots engagements, conflict resolution, and proactive crime prevention in Nigeria. Yet, evolving societal challenges demand innovative strategies to enhance transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. Strengthening this system is not merely an option but a necessity for equitable service delivery and sustainable peace.
“This forum presents an opportunity to re-imagine the PCRC framework by sharing best practices, addressing systemic gaps, and devising actionable plans. Let us focus on empowering sub-committees within the PCRC with digital tools, fostering youth and women’s participation, and embedding community feedback into policing strategies.”