The Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative, also known as Partners West Africa Nigeria, PWAN, has sensitised media practitioners on reporting police reform and accountability as part of efforts to strengthen public trust in law enforcement.
The one-day sensitisation workshop, held on Monday in Abuja, brought together journalists from various media organisations to deepen their understanding of the Police Act 2020, citizens’ rights, and ethical reporting standards.
Speaking at the workshop, PWAN Executive Director, Kemi Okenyodo, said the media has a responsibility to help the public understand police reform beyond headlines and controversies.
“The media has a responsibility to help the public understand what police reform really means, beyond headlines and controversies. When journalists report accurately and responsibly, it helps to build trust and hold institutions accountable,” Okenyodo said.
She described the media as a critical partner in advancing transparent, professional, and people-centred policing in Nigeria, noting that the way security issues are reported can either strengthen or weaken public confidence.
“How police reform issues are reported can either build public trust or further weaken it. That is why ethical and balanced reporting is crucial,” she added.
Okenyodo explained that the workshop forms part of PWAN’s project titled “Enhancing Public Trust and Gender-Responsive Policing in Nigeria Through the Effective Implementation of the Police Act 2020 across the Six Geopolitical Zones.”
According to her, the project is being implemented with the support of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and focuses on strengthening institutional accountability, promoting gender responsiveness, and improving public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
She said the initiative seeks to increase public awareness of the Police Act 2020 and the revised Police Regulations, noting that many citizens remain unaware of their rights under the law.
“Many citizens are not aware of the provisions of the Police Act 2020 or what their rights are. The media can help bridge this gap by simplifying the law and explaining how it affects everyday interactions with the police,” Okenyodo said.
She stressed that gender-responsive policing must be treated as a core reform issue rather than an optional add-on.
“Gender-responsive policing is not optional. It is necessary if we are serious about addressing issues such as abuse, discrimination, and gender-based violence within the policing system,” she said.
Okenyodo added that improved awareness and accountability could help reduce rights violations and foster a more citizen-responsive policing culture.
She noted that the engagement was not aimed at shielding the police from scrutiny but at strengthening accountability and professionalism within the force.
“This engagement is not about protecting the police or attacking them. It is about strengthening accountability and ensuring that policing works for the people,” she said.
She further explained that the workshop was designed to equip journalists with the skills and tools required for accurate, ethical, and impactful reporting on police reform and accountability issues.
Okenyodo said the engagement also provided a platform for media practitioners to share experiences, raise concerns, and propose practical recommendations for improving trust and collaboration between communities and the police.
