Firearm licence, character certificate… police unveil portal for specialised services

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has unveiled a new portal for members of the public to access its services.

According to a statement issued on Thursday, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson, said the police specialised services automation project (POSSAP), which can be accessed here, is designed to automate the processing and management of NPF services.

The services include escort and guard services, police extract, character certificate, supernumerary police permit, fingerprint information and police investigation report.

Other services listed on the website are firearms licence, police protection services, CID clearance certificate, and tint permit.

The police spokesperson said the automation project is being rolled out in phases, with character certificate, escort and guard service, and police extract services as the pilot phase, while others will be available later.

“With the implementation of this project, individuals and corporate entities who require specialised services rendered by the Police are guaranteed access to these requests via an automated, seamless, transparent and efficient process,” the statement reads.

“POSSAP was approved by the Federal Executive Council following a memo presented by the Hon. Minister of Police Affairs on the 14th of July, 2021.

“Subsequently, POSSAP was launched on the 2nd of June, 2022, by the Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, Dr Maigari Dingyadi, on behalf of the Federal Government, at the Goodluck Jonathan International Peace Keeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

“The goal of the project is to simply automate the rendition of existing specialised services processes and reap the added benefits of improved transparency, accountability, efficiency and sustainability that technological solutions deliver.

“It will also benefit the Force by minimising dependence on the Federal Government for funding and improving the welfare of personnel. The automation project is being rolled out in phases, with Police Character Certificate, Specialised Escort and Guard Services and Police Extract as the services in the pilot phase, while other services will be subsequently onboarded.

“It is pertinent to reveal that the Force has initiated engagements with internal and external stakeholders to ensure unison of purpose to achieve a seamless transition to the automated platform.

“As of date, players in some industry verticals such as Banking, Telecommunications, Oil and Gas, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Embassies, have been intimated about this transition and this exercise will be a continuum.”