The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, says President Goodluck Jonathan has approved a self-accounting status for the police.
At a press briefing at the Police Headquarters in Abuja on Friday, the police boss said that the new finance status would help improve the services of the police to the nation.
The new financial independence status would enable the police execute its projects.
Before now, the police had operated its accounts under the Ministry of Police Affairs; a system which Mr Abubakar said was counter-productive in project executions.
“This new development will smoothen out those bottle-necks. For the fact that the President had approved the self-accounting for the police, you will experience some challenges. You must brace up to such challenges and better responsibilities, ensuring that what needs to be done must be done,” he said.
He, however, noted that even with the new self-accounting status in place, the Police Affairs Ministry would still be responsible for formulation of policies affecting the force.
Mr Abubakar enjoined police officers, who would be handling finances under the new status, to be disciplined, as officers found wanting will be made to face the law.
“Let me warn too, that those in position to handle finances show great professionalism in doing so, as anyone found wanting would be made to face the full wrath of the law. Gone are the days where we will allow people to do what they have done before and go scot-free.,” the police boss warned.
Recently, a report by Cleen Foundation in collaboration with McArthur Foundation, says the Nigeria Police Force is one of the most financially corrupt government agencies in Nigeria.
With the self-accounting status granted, the integrity of the force will in no doubt be put to test in the coming years.
