The Nigeria Police Force in its commitment not only to the fight against crimes but geared towards enhancing the country’s public safety has officially launched the Force Special Desk for Persons with Disability across Police Commands and Formations for effective policing.
At the launching on Thursday at the Force Headquarters Abuja, the Inspector-General Police Usman Akali Baba noted that the launch is part of the programs lined up by the Force to commemorate the International Day for Persons with Disability held on the 3rd December 2021 “I approved the establishment of Special Disability Desks in Police Commands and Formations, nationwide. The initiative was informed by the resolve of the current Police leadership to ensure that the Force remains at the forefront of contemporary policing practices which also advocate mainstreaming and inclusiveness for Persons with Disability in our broad internal security framework.
Speaking further, the IGP stresses that there is a need to continually advance police service delivery within the framework of citizens’ consent, accountability, trust, inclusiveness, and the rule of law so as to ensure that officers across boards are civil, polite, and professional at all times.
“Persons with Disability may be different in a kind but are certainly equal to us all. By law and global Protocols, they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity and must be accorded due services without being discriminated against in any way.
“The NPF Special Desk for the Persons with Disability (PWD) therefore, is an advocacy desk to give effect to this noble course to enable the Force avail Persons With Disability unfettered access to police services, promote the dignity of their person, discourage stigmatization and stereotyping, and give full effect to the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
Usman also said he has approved the setting-up of a focal center to be domiciled at the Force Public Relations Department, Force Headquarters, Abuja, and the National Centre for Persons with Disability (NCPWD), “To coordinate the activities of the Desk Offices, identify and provide training needs to Police personnel who will serve as the Disability Desk Officers (DDO) to enable us to achieve the stated objectives of alleviating the numerous challenges faced by Persons with Disability in the country, especially as related to police services.
“I am confident that this initiative, would amongst other benefits, help in bridging any hitherto existing gap between the Nigeria Police and the Persons with Disability with a view to ensuring justice and equality for these important strata of our society.”
The IGP is optimistic that the Nigeria Police, under his watch will remain committed to goal-driven innovations such as the Special Disability Desk initiative to ensure its functionality in respective Zonal and State Commands and the FCT commands and formation in the country.
